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THE  NOVELS 

OF 

CAPTAIN   MARRYAT 

EDITED    BY 

R.  BRIMLEY    JOHNSON 


This  Edition  of  Captain  Marry af  s  No'velSj 

made  exclust<vely  for  members  of  the 

NEW  YORK  TACHT  CLUB 

is  strictly  limited  to  one  hundred  copies. 


'-€:^^u^^€>.*^L-ri^a, 


Copy  No.  /  5 
PRINTED  FOR 
H,  A.  VAN  LIEJV,  Esq. 


A&- 


NEW  YORK  YACHT  CLUB  EDITION 


AND 

THE    PIRATE 

BY 
CAPTAIN  MARRYAT 

VOLUME  I 


NEW  YORK 

CROSCUP  AND  COMPANY 

MDCCCXCVI 


PK 


THE   KING'S   OWN  >'  ( 


o-^^/ 

^m^^^ 
^<}^ 


C  ontents 


Volume  I 

THE  KING'S  OWN 

PAGE 

Chapter  i         .             .             .             .             .             .1 

Chapter  ii 

8 

Chapter  hi 

16 

Chapter  iv 

23 

Chapter  v 

29 

Chapter  vi 

35 

Chapter  vii 

.        38 

Chapter  viii 

.        46 

Chapter  ix 

.        56 

Chapter  x 

.        64 

Chapter  xi 

71 

Chapter  xii 

.        76 

Chapter  xiii 

83 

Chapter  xiv     . 

92 

Chapter  xv 

.      103 

Chapter  xvi 

III 

Chapter  xvii     . 

119 

Chapter  xviii    . 

.      124 

Chapter  xix 

'      131 

VI 


Contents 


Chapter  xx       «             • 

141 

Chapter  xxi      e 

149 

Chapter  xxii    .             .             »             .             . 

155 

Chapter  xxiii  .             »             «             . 

163 

Chapter  xxiv    . 

.       170 

Chapter  xxv     . 

.       178 

Chapter  xxvi    . 

.       184 

Chapter  xxvii  .              .             .             < 

.       194 

Chapter  xxviii  . 

200 

Chapter  xxix    . 

.       204 

Chapter  xxx     . 

209 

Chapter  xxxi    . 

.       215 

Chapter  xxxii  . 

.       223 

Chapter  xxxiii  . 

'       234 

Chapter  xxxiv  . 

.       242 

Chapter  xxxv   . 

252 

Chapter  xxxvi  . 

.       259 

Chapter  xxxvu               •             • 

.       266 

Chapter  xxxvin              ,     ^ 

.       274 

Chapter  xxxix 

.       281 

Chapter  xl 

.       287 

List  of  Etchings 

Volume  I 
THE  KING'S  OWN 

A    BROAD-HEADED    ARROW,  OR    THE    KiNG's    MARK,    WAS    .    =    » 
INDELIBLY     ENGRAVED     UPON      THE     LEFT      SHOULDER     OF 

LITTLE  Willy         ....  Frontispiece 

PAGE 

'*  Here  he  is,  captain,  all  a'tantOy  but  not  very  neat  "  59 

"Monsieur  Moustache,"  said  M*Elvina  .   .  »  "7V  vous 

demande  mille  excuses "  .  .  .  .80 

His  pistol  went  off  without  taking  effect    .  »        117 

He  crept  in  softly  behind  her  chair  .  .  =165 

Jerry  levelled  his  musket        .  «  ^  *       239 

Draivn  by  D.  Downing. 
Etched  by  W.  Wright-NooTH. 


Prefatory   Note 


The  hero  of  this  novel  is  partially  drawn  from  Marryat's 
second  and  favourite  son,  William,  who  died  at  the  age 
of  seven.  The  description  of  his  appearance  in  Chapter  ii» 
is  said  to  be  very  exact.  Marryat  studied  his  little 
son's  character  and  manners  during  a  homeward  voyage 
in  the  Tess,  1 82 5,  of  which  he  related  the  following 
anecdote  : — 

"  I  had  on  board  ship  a  very  large  Cape  baboon,  who  was  a  pet  of  mine, 
and  also  a  little  boy,  who  was  a  son  of  mine.  When  the  baboon  sat  down 
on  his  hams,  he  was  about  as  tall  as  the  boy  when  he  walked.  The  boy 
having  a  tolerable  appetite,  received  about  noon  a  considerable  slice  of 
bread-and-butter,  to  keep  him  quiet  till  dinner-time.  I  was  on  one  of  the 
carronades,  busy  with  the  sun's  lower  limb,  bringing  it  in  contact  with  the 
horizon,  when  the  boy's  lower  limbs  brought  him  in  contact  with  the 
baboon,  who  having,  as  well  as  the  boy,  a  strong  predilection  for  bread- 
and-butter,  and  a  stronger  arm  to  take  it  withal,  thought  proper  to  help 
himself  to  that  to  which  the  boy  had  already  been  helped.  In  short,  he 
snatched  the  bread-and-butter,  and  made  short  work  of  it,  for  it  was  in  his 
pouch  in  a  moment.  Upon  which  the  boy  set  up  a  yell,  which  attracted 
my  notice  to  this  violation  of  the  articles  of  war,  to  which  the  baboon  was 
equally  amenable  as  any  other  person  in  the  ship,  for  it  is  expressly  stated 
in  the  preamble,  '  all  who  are  in,  or  belonging  to.'  Whereupon  I  jumped  off 
the  carronade,  and  by  way  of  assisting  his  digestion,  I  served  out  to  the 
baboon  monkey's  allowance,  which  is  more  kicks  than  half-pence.  The 
master  reported  that  the  heavens  intimated  that  it  was  twelve  o'clock,  and 
with  all  the  humility  of  a  captain  of  a  man-of-war,  I  ordered  him  to 
'  make  it  so  ; '  whereupon  it  was  made,  and  so  passed  that  day.  I  do  not 
remember  how  many  days  it  was  afterwards  that  I  was  on  the  carronade  as 
usual,  about  the  same  time,  and  all  parties  were  precisely  in  the  same 
situations — the  master  by  my  side,  the  baboon  under  the  booms,  and  the 
boy  walking  out  of  the  cabin  with  his  bread-and-butter.  As  before,  he 
again  passed  the  baboon,  who  again  snatched  the  bread-and-butter  from  the 
boy,  who  again  set  up  a  squall,  which  again  attracted  my  attention.  I 
looked  round,  and  the  baboon  caught  my  eye,  which  told  him  plainly  that 
he'd  soon  catch  what  was  not '  at  all  my  eye  ; '  and  he  proved  that  he  thought 
so,  for  he  actually  put  the  bread-and-butter  back  into  the  boy's  hands.  It 
was  the  only  instance  of  which  I  ever  knew  or  heard  of  a  monkey  being 
K.  I.  ix 


X  Prefatory  Note 

capable  of  self-denial  when  his  stomach  was  concerned,  and  I  record  it 
accordingly.  (Par  farenthese)  it  is  well  known  that  monkeys  will  take 
the  smallpox,  measles,  and  (I  believe)  the  scarlet  fever ;  but  this  poor 
fellow,  when  the  ship's  company  were  dying  of  cholera,  took  that  disease, 
went  through  all  its  gradations,  and  died  apparently  in  great  agony." 

It  seems  probable  that  The  King^s  Own,  though  not 
actually  published  till  a  year  after  The  Naval  Officer,  was 
Marryat's  earliest  work  of  fiction ;  and  we  are  told  that  it 
was  written  in  nine  months.  Further  details  concerning  the 
manner  of  its  composition  are  at  hand.  In  Chapter  xxii. 
the  author  delays  the  narrative  by  a  graphic  description  of 
his  own  circumstances  : — "  I  am  seated  in  the  after-cabin 
of  a  vessel  endowed  with  as  liberal  a  share  of  motion  as 
any  in  his  Majesty's  service :  whilst  I  write  I  am  holding 
on  by  the  table,  my  legs  entwined  in  the  lashings  under- 
neath, and  I  can  barely  manage  to  keep  my  position  before 
my  manuscript.  The  sea  is  high,  the  gale  fresh,  the  sky 
dirty,  and  threatening  a  continuance  of  what  our  trans- 
atlantic descendants  would  term  a  pretty-considerable- 
tarnation-strong  blast  of  wind.  .  .  .  The  main-deck  is 
afloat :  and,  from  the  careless  fitting  of  the  half-ports  at 
the  dock-yard,  and  neglect  of  caulking  in  the  cants,  my 
fore-cabin  is  in  the  same  predicament.  ...  I  have  just 
been  summoned  from  my  task,  in  consequence  of  one  of 
the  battens  which  secured  my  little  library  having  given 
way  to  the  immoderate  weight  of  learning  that  pressed  upon 
It :  and  as  my  books  have  been  washed  to  and  fro,  I  have 

snatched  them  from  their  first  attempts  at  natation 

My  bones  are  sore  with  rocking.  Horace  says,  that  he 
had  a  soul  of  brass  who  first  ventured  to  sea  ;  I  think  a 
body  of  iron  very  necessary  to  the  outfit.  My  cot  is 
swinging  and  jerking  up  to  the  beams,  as  if  the  lively 
scoundrel  was  some  metamorphosed  imp  mocking  at  me." 
He  touches,  in  more  serious  mood,  on  the  same  subject,  at 
the  close  of  Chapter  xxix.  "  Reader,  let  us  look  at  home. 
Shall  I,  now  thoughtlessly  riding  upon  the  agitated  billow, 
with  but  one  thin  plank  between  me  and  death,  and  yet  so 
busy  with  this  futile  work,  be  permitted  to  bring  it  to  a 


Prefatory  Note  xi 

close  ?  The  hand  which  guides  the  flowing  pen  may 
to-morrow  be  stiff,  the  head  now  teeming  with  its  subject 
may  be  past  all  thought  ere  to-morrow's  sun  is  set — ay 
sooner  !  and  you,  reader,  who  so  far  have  had  the  courage 
to  proceed  in  the  volumes  without  throwing  them  away, 
shall  you  be  permitted  to  finish  your  more  trifling  task  ? — 
or,  before  its  close,  be  hurried  from  this  transitory  scene, 
where  fiction  ends,  and  the  spirit,  re-endowed,  will  be 
enabled  to  raise  its  eyes  upon  the  lightning  beam  of 
unveiled  truth."  In  Chapter  xxxvii.  he  declares  that  he 
has  quite  **  sprained  his  imagination — for  you  must  know 
that  this  is  ?i\\fictiony  every  word  of  it,"  and  he  proceeds 
to  indite  an  entirely  irrelevant  chapter  about  the  ants  in 
his  cabin,  his  grandmother,  and  a  **  wether  sheep  "  who 
learnt  to  "  chew  tobacco  and  drink  grog  " ;  all  of  which 
has  "  nothing  to  do  with  the  novel,"  but  **  a  great  deal  to 
do  with  making  a  hook — for  I  have  completed  a  whole 
chapter  out  of  nothing." 

In  the  first  chapter  of  Newton  Forster  it  is  written  : — 

"I  remember  when  the  'King's  Own' was  finished,  I  was  as  happy  as 
a  pedestrian  who  had  accomplished  his  thousand  miles  in  a  thousand  hours. 
My  voluntary  slavery  was  over,  and  I  was  emancipated.  Where  was  I  then  ? 
I  recollect ;  within  two  days'  sail  of  the  Lizard,  returning  home,  after  a  six 
weeks'  cruise  to  discover  a  rock  in  the  Atlantic,  which  never  existed  except 
in  the  terrified  or  intoxicated  noddle  of  some  master  of  a  merchant  vessel. 
It  was  about  half-past  five  in  the  evening,  and  I  was  alone  in  my  after-cabin, 
quite  alone,  as  the  captain  of  a  man-of-war  must  be,  even  when  in  presence 
of  his  ship's  company.   .  .  . 

"  I  could  not  send  for  any  one  to  whom  I  could  impart  the  intelligence — 
there  was  no  one  whom  I  could  expect  to  sympathise  with  me,  or  to  whom 
I  could  pour  out  the  abundance  of  my  joy  ;  for  that  the  service  prohibited. 
What  could  I  do  ?  Why,  I  could  dance ;  so  I  sprang  from  my  chair,  and 
singing  the  tune,  commenced  a  quadrille  movement, — Tal  de  rai  la,  tal  de 
ral  la,  lity,  lity,  lity,  liddle-um,  tal  de  ral  la,  tal 

" « Three  bells,  sir,'  cried  the  first  lieutenant,  who  had  opened  my  door 
unperceived  by  me,  and  showed  evident  surprise  at  my  motions ;  '  shall  we 
beat  to  quarters  ?  ' 

"  « Certainly,  Mr  B ,'  replied  I,  and  he  disappeared.  But  this  in- 
terruption only  produced  a  temporary  cessation:  I  was  in  the  height  of 
« Cavalier  seul,'  when  his  head  popped  into  the  cabin — 

"  'All  present,  and  sober,  sir,'  reported  he,  with  a  demure  smile. 

"  '  Except  the  captain,  I  presume  you  are  thinking.'  replied  I. 

^'  'Oh  1  no,  indeed,  sir  ;  I  observed  you  were  very  merry.' 


xii  Prefatory  Note 

"  *  I  am,  Mr  B ,  but  not  with  wine  ;  mine  is  a  sort  of  intellectual 

intoxication  not  provided  for  in  the  Articles  of  War.' 

« '  A  what  I   sir  ?  ' 

««'OhI  something  that  you'll  never  get  drunk  upon,  as  you  never  look 
into  a  book — beat  a  retreat.' 

" « Ay,  ay,  sir,'  replied  the  first  lieutenant ;  and  he  disappeared. 

"  And  I  also  beat  a  retreat  to  my  sofa  ;  and  as  I  threw  myself  upon  it, 
mentally  vowed  that,  for  a  month  at  least,  I  never  would  take  up  my  pen."* 

The  book  is  full  of  digressions ;  on  the  profession  of 
authorship  and  the  conduct  of  reviews — chap,  xxviii.,  on 
courage,  on  Sunday  at  sea,  on  smuggling,  on  theology 
and  natural  history.  There  is  also  an  interesting  auto- 
biographical note,  which  may  perhaps  be  partially  credited, 
concerning  Marry at's  reasons  for  going  to  sea.  "  It  was 
not,"  he  declares,  "  to  escape  the  drudgery  and  confine- 
ment of  a  school,  or  the  admonitions  received  at  home." 
But,  after  the  battle  of  Trafalgar,  "when  I  returned  home, 
I  witnessed  the  funeral  profession  of  Lord  Nelson;  and, 
as  the  triumphal  car,  upon  which  his  earthly  remains  were 
borne,  disappeared  from  my  aching  eye,  I  felt  that  death 
could  have  no  terrors  if  followed  by  such  a  funeral ;  and 
I  determined  that  I  would  be  buried  in  the  same  manner." 

Yet  the  Kin^s  Own  has  a  more  consecutive  plot  than 
most  of  Marryat's  novels,  and  moves  with  a  fair  degree  of 
precision  along  its  appointed  lines.  Its  main  interest, 
however,  centres  around  its  vivid  pictures  of  sea  life,  and 
no  one  can  resist  justifying  the  author's  prophecy  by 
"  finding  out  who  the  characters  are  meant  for,  notwith- 
standing his  assertion"  that  they  are  purely  fictitious- 
Captain  M.,  like  Captain  Savage  in  Peter  Simple ,  is  certainly 
drawn  from  Cochrane,  and  the  most  famous  passage  in 
the  book,  the  fight  and  shipwreck  described  in  chapters 
li.-liv.,  is  worked  up  from  historical  material,  viz. : — the 
furious  combat  during  a  heavy  gale  between  The  Inde- 
fatigable, under  Edward  Pellew,  Viscount  Exmouth,  The 
Amazon,  and  a  French  74-gun  ship  Droits  de  PHomme, 
which  took  place  the  13  th  of  January  1797.  The  Amazon 
and  her  French  opponent  both  struck  on  the  rocks  on  the 
morning  of  the  14th.     Captain  Capperbar  was  probably. 


Prefatory  Note  xiii 

as  Mr  Hannay  suggests,  a  reminiscence  of  an  ofEcer  who 
roused  the  wrath  of  Cochrane  in  Corfu,  by  granting  passes 
to  neutral  and  hostile  vessels  for  trading  with  the  island. 

The  novel  stands  among  Marryat's  greatest  perform- 
ances, though  it  will  never  be  so  popular  as  Peter  Simple 
or  Midshipman  Easy,  and  does  not  quite  deserve  the  honour. 
It  has  none  of  the  disagreeable  characteristics  of  Frank 
Mildmay,  and  is  on  the  whole  superior  to  that  work, 
whether  or  no  it  was  written  before  it.  One  is  not 
surprised  to  find  that  its  surpassing  freshness  and  vigour 
were  at  once  recognised  by  the  reviews. 

The  King^s  Own  is  here  reprinted  from  the  first  edition 
in  3  volumes,  Henry  Colburn  and  Richard  Bentley,  1830; 
several  mistakes  about  names  and  other  details  being 
corrected. 

The  Pirate  is  reprinted  from  the  sumptuous  first  edition, 
A.  Fullarton  and  Co.,  mdcccxIv.,  with  illustrations  by 
Clarkson  Stanfield,  Esq.,  R.A. ;  when  it  was  bound  in 
one  volume  with  The  Three  Cutters, 

R.  B.  J. 


The  King's  Own 


Chapter  I 

However  boldly  their  warm  blood  was  spilt, 
Their  life  was  shame,  their  epitaph  was  guilt ; 
And  this  they  knew  and  felt,  at  least  the  one, 
The  leader  of  the  band  he  had  undone, — 
Who,  born  for  better  things,  had  madly  set 
His  life  upon  a  cast,  which  lingered  yet. 

Byron. 

There  is  perhaps  no  event  in  the  annals  of  our  history 
which  excited  more  alarm  at  the  time  of  its  occurrence,  or 
has  since  been  the  subject  of  more  general  interest,  than 
the  Mutiny  at  the  Nore,  in  the  year  1797.  Forty  thousand 
men,  to  whom  the  nation  looked  for  defence  from  its  sur- 
rounding enemies,  and  in  stedfast  reliance  upon  whose 
bravery  it  lay  down  every  night  in  tranquillity, — men  who 
had  dared  everything  for  their  king  and  country,  and  in 
whose  breasts  patriotism,  although  suppressed  for  the 
time,  could  never  be  extinguished, — irritated  by  ungrate- 
ful neglect  on  the  one  hand,  and  by  seditious  advisers  on 
the  other,  turned  the  guns  which  they  had  so  often  manned 
in  defence  of  the  English  flag  against  their  own  country- 
men and  their  own  home,  and,  with  all  the  acrimony  of 
feeling  ever  attending  family  quarrels,  seemed  determined 
to  sacrifice  the  nation  and  themselves,  rather  than  listen  to 
the  dictates  of  reason  and  of  conscience. 

Doubtless  there  is  a  point  at  which  endurance  of 
oppression  ceases  to  be  a  virtue,  and  rebellion  can  no 
longer  be  considered  as  a  crime  :  but  it  is  a  dangerous 
and  intricate  problem,  the  solution  of  which  had  better  not 

K.       I.  A 


2  The  King's  Own 

be  attempted.  It  must,  however,  be  acknowledged,  that 
the  seamen,  on  the  occasion  of  the  first  mutiny,  had  just 
grounds  of  complaint,  and  that  they  did  not  proceed  to 
acts  of  violence  until  repeated  and  humble  remonstrance 
had  been  made  in  vain. 

Whether  we  act  in  a  body  or  individually,  such  is  the 
infirmity  and  selfishness  of  human  nature,  that  we  often 
surrender  to  importunity  that  which  we  refuse  to  the 
dictates  of  gratitude, — yielding,  for  our  own  comfort,  to 
the  demands  of  turbulence,  while  quiet,  unpretending 
merit  is  overlooked  and  oppressed,  until,  roused  by 
neglect,  it  demands,  as  a  right,  what  policy  alone  should 
have  granted  as  a  favour. 

Such  was  the  behaviour,  on  the  part  of  governmeilt, 
which  produced  the  mutiny  at  the  Nore. 

What  mechanism  is  more  complex  than  the  mind  of 
man  ?  And  as,  in  all  machinery,  there  are  wheels  and 
springs  of  action  not  apparent  without  close  examination  of 
the  interior,  so  pride,  ambition,  avarice,  love,  play  alter- 
nately or  conjointly  upon  the  human  mind,  which,  under 
their  influences,  is  whirled  round  like  the  weathercock  in 
the  hurricane,  only  pointing  for  a  short  time  in  one  direc- 
tion, but  for  that  time  stedfastly.  How  difficult,  then,  to 
analyse  the  motives  and  inducements  which  actuated  the 
several  ringleaders  in  this  dreadful  crisis  ! 

Let  us,  therefore,  confine  ourselves  to  what  we  do  really 
know  to  have  been  the  origin  of  discontent  in  one  of  these 
men,  whose  unfortunate  career  is  intimately  connected 
with  this  history. 

Edward  Peters  v/as  a  man  of  talent  and  education.     He 

had  entered  on  board  the in  a  fit  of  desperation,  to 

obtain  the  bounty  for  a  present  support,  and  his  pay  as  a 
future  provision,  for  his  wife,  and  an  only  child,  the  fruit 
of  a  hasty  and  unfortunate  marriage.  He  was  soon  distin- 
guished as  a  person  of  superior  attainments  ;  and  instead 
of  being  employed,  as  a  landsman  usually  is,  in  the  after- 
guard, or  waist,  of  the  ship,  he  was  placed  under  the 
orders  of  the  purser  and  captain's  clerk  as  an  amanuensis. 


The  King's  Own  3 

In  this  capacity  he  remained  two  or  three  years,  approved 
of  and  treated  with  unusual  respect  by  the  officers,  for  his 
gentlemanhke  appearance  and  behaviour  :  but  unfortunately 
a  theft  had  been  committed, — a  watch,  of  trifling  value, 
had  been  purloined  from  the  purser's  cabin  ;  and,  as  he 
was  the  only  person,  with  the  exception  of  the  servant, 
who  had  free  ingress  and  egress,  suspicion  fell  upon  him — 
the  more  so  as,  after  every  search  that  could  be  made  had 
proved  ineffectual,  it  was  supposed  that  the  purloined 
property  had  been  sent  on  shore  to  be  disposed  of  by  his 
wife,  who,  with  his  child,  had  frequently  been  permitted 
to  visit  him  on  board. 

Summoned  on  the  quarter-deck — cross-examined,  and 
harshly  interrogated — called  a  scoundrel  by  the  captain 
before  conviction — the  proud  blood  mantled  in  the  cheeks 
of  one  who,  at  that  period,  was  incapable  of  crime.  The 
blush  of  virtuous  indignation  was  construed  into  presump- 
tive evidence  of  guilt.  The  captain — a  superficial,  pre- 
suming, pompous,  yet  cowardly  creature,  whose  conduct 
assisted  in  no  small  degree  to  excite  the  mutiny  on  board 
of  his  own  ship — declared  himself  quite  convinced  of 
Peters'  guilt,  because  he  blushed  at  the  bare  idea  of  being 
suspected  ;  and  punishment  ensued,  with  all  the  degrada- 
tion allotted  to  an  offence  which  is  never  forgiven  on  board 
of  a  man-of-war. 

There  is,  perhaps,  no  crime  that  is  attended  with  such 
serious  consequences  on  board  a  ship  as  theft.  A  succes- 
sion of  thefts  undiscovered  will  disintegrate  a  ship's 
company,  break  up  the  messes,  destroy  all  confidence 
and  harmony,  and  occasion  those  who  have  been  the 
dearest  friends  to  become  the  greatest  enemies  :  for  whom 
can  a  person  suspect,  when  he  has  lost  his  property,  in 
so  confined  a  space,  but  those  who  were  acquainted  with 
its  being  in  his  possession,  and  with  the  place  in  which 
it  was  deposited  ? — and  who  are  these  but  his  own  mess- 
mates, or  those  in  whom  he  most  confided  ?  After  positive 
conviction,  no  punishment  can  be  too  severe  for  a  crime 
that  produces   such  mischief;  but  to  degrade  a  man  by 


4  The  King's  Own 

corporal  punishment,  to  ruin  his  character,  and  render  him 
an  object  of  abhorrence  and  contempt  in  the  absence  of 
even  bare  presumptive  evidence,  was  an  act  of  cruelty 
and  injustice,  which  could  excite  but  one  feeling ;  and, 
from  that  day,  the  man  who  would  have  gloried  in  dying 
for  his  country,  became  a  discontented,  gloomy,  and 
dangerous  subject. 

The  above  effect  would  have  been  produced  in  any 
man ;  but  to  Peters,  whose  previous  history  we  have  yet 
to  narrate,  death  itself  would  have  been  preferable.  His 
heart  did  not  break,  but  it  swelled  with  contending 
passions,  till  it  was  burst  and  riven  with  wounds  never 
to  be  cicatrised.  Suffering  under  the  most  painful  burthen 
that  can  oppress  a  man  who  values  reputation,  writhing 
with  the  injustice  of  accusation  when  innocent,  of  con- 
viction without  proof,  and  of  punishment  unmerited,  it 
is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  Peters  took  the  earliest 
opportunity  of  deserting  from  the  ship. 

There  is  a  particular  feeling  pervading  animal  nature, 
from  which  man  himself  is  not  exempt.  Indeed,  with 
all  his  boasted  reason,  man  still  inherits  too  many  of  the 
propensities  of  the  brute  creation.  I  refer  to  that  dis- 
position which  not  only  inclines  us  to  feel  satisfaction  at 
finding  we  have  companions  in  misfortune,  but  too  often 
stimulates  us  to  increase  the  number  by  our  own  exertions. 
From  the  stupendous  elephant,  down  to  the  smallest  of 
the  feathered  tribe,  all  will  act  as  a  decoy  to  their  own 
species,  when  in  captivity  themselves  ;  and,  in  all  com- 
pulsory service,  which  may  be  considered  a  species  of 
captivity,  man  proves  that  he  is  embued  with  the  same 
propensity.  Seamen  that  have  been  pressed  themselves 
into  the  navy,  are  invariably  the  most  active  in  pressing 
others  ;  and  both  soldiers  and  saiJors  have  a  secret  pleasure 
in  recapturing  a  deserter,  even  at  the  very  time  when 
they  are  watching  an  opportunity  to  desert  themselves. 

The  bonds  of  friendship  seem  destroyed  when  this 
powerful  and  brutal  feeling  is  called  into  action  ;  and,  as 
has  frequently  occurred  in  the  service,  before  and  since. 


The  King's  Own  5 

the  man  who  was  selected  by  Peters  as  his  most  intimate 
friend,  the  man  with  whom  he  had  consulted,  and  to 
whom  he  had  confided  his  plans  for  desertion,  gave 
information  of  the  retreat  of  his  wife  and  child,  from 
which  place  Peters  was  not  likely  to  be  very  distant  j  and 
thus,  with  the  assistance  of  this,  his  dearest  friend,  the 
master-at-arms  and  party  in  quest  of  him  succeeded  in 
his  capture. 

It  so  happened,  that  on  the  very  day  on  which  Peters 
was  brought  on  board  and  put  into  irons,  the  purser's 
servant  was  discovered  to  have  in  his  possession  the  watch 
that  had  been  lost.  Thus  far  the  character  of  Peters  was 
reinstated ;  and  as  he  had  declared  at  the  time  of  his 
capture,  that  the  unjust  punishment  which  he  had  received 
had  been  the  motive  of  his  disertion,  the  captain  was 
strongly  urged  by  the  officers  to  overlook  an  offence 
which  had  everything  to  be  offered  in  extenuation.     But 

Captain   A was  fond  of  courts-martial ;  he  imagined 

that  they  added  to  his  consequence,  which  certainly 
required  to  be  upheld  by  adventitious  aid.  Moreover, 
the  feeling,  too  often  pervading  little  minds,  that  of  a 
dislike  taken  to  a  person  because  you  have  injured  him, 
and  the  preferring  to  accumulate  injustice  rather  than  to 
acknowledge  error,  had  more  than  due  weight  with  this 
weak  man.  A  court-martial  was  held,  and  Peters  was 
sentenced  to  death  ;  but,  in  consideration  of  circumstances, 
the  sentence  was  mitigated  to  that  of  being  "  flogged 
round  the  fleet." 

Mitigated  !  Strange  vanity  in  men,  that  they  should 
imagine  their  own  feelings  to  be  more  sensible  and  acute 
than  those  of  others  :  that  they  should  consider  that  a 
mitigation  in  favour  of  the  prisoner,  which,  had  they  been 
placed  in  his  situation,  they  would  have  declared  an  ac- 
cumulation of  the  punishment.  Not  a  captain  who  sat  upon 
that  court-martial  but  would  have  considered,  as  Peters  did, 
that  death  was  by  far  the  more  lenient  sentence  of  the 
two.  Yet  they  meant  well  —  they  felt  kindly  towards 
him,   and  acknowledged  his  provocations  j  but  they  fell 


6  The  King's  Own 

into  the  too  common  error  of  supposing  that  the  finer 
feelings,  which  induce  a  man  to  prefer  death  to  dishonour, 
are  only  to  be  recognised  among  the  higher  classes  ;  and 
that,  because  circumstances  may  have  placed  a  man  before 
the  mast,  he  will  undergo  punishment,  however  severe, 
however  degrading, — in  short,  every  "  ill  that  flesh  is 
heir  to," — in  preference  to  death. 

As  the  reader  may  not  perhaps  be  acquainted  with  the 
nature  of  the  punishment  to  which  Peters  was  sentenced, 
and  the  ceremonies  by  which  it  is  attended,  I  shall 
enter  into  a  short  description  of  it. 

A  man  sentenced  to  be  flogged  round  the  fleet  receives 
an  equal  part  of  the  whole  number  of  lashes  awarded 
alongside  each  ship  composing  that  fleet.  For  instance  if 
sentenced  to  three  hundred  lashes,  in  a  fleet  composed 
of  ten  sail,  he  will  receive  thirty  alongside  of  each  ship. 

A  launch  is  fitted  up  with  a  platform  and  shears.  It  is 
occupied  by  the  unfortunate  individual,  the  provost- 
marshal,  the  boatswain,  and  his  mates,  with  their  imple- 
ments of  office,  and  armed  marines  stationed  at  the  bow 
and  stern.  When  the  signal  is  made  for  punishment,  all 
the  ships  in  the  fleet  send  one  or  two  boats  each,  with 
crews  cleanly  dressed,  the  officers  in  full  uniform,  and 
marines  under  arms.  These  boats  collect  at  the  side  of 
the  ship  where  the  launch  is  lying,  the  hands  are  turned 
up,  and  the  ship's  company  are  ordered  to  mount  the 
rigging,  to  witness  that  portion  of  the  whole  punishment 
which,  after  the  sentence  has  been  read,  is  inflicted  upon 
the  prisoner.  When  he  has  received  the  allotted  number 
of  lashes,  he  is,  for  the  time,  released,  and  permitted  to 
sit  down,  with  a  blanket  over  his  shoulders,  while  the 
boats,  which  attend  the  execution  of  the  sentence,  make 
fast  to  the  launch,  and  tow  it  to  the  next  ship  in  the  fleet, 
where  the  same  number  of  lashes  are  inflicted  with 
corresponding  ceremonies  ; — and  thus  he  is  towed  from 
one  ship  to  the  other  until  he  has  received  the  whole  of 
his  punishment. 

The  severity  of  this  punishment  consists  not  only  in 


The  King's  Own  7 

the  number  of  lashes,  but  in  the  peculiar  manner  in  which 
they  are  inflicted  ;  as,  after  the  unfortunate  wretch  has 
received  the  first  part  of  his  sentence  alongside  of  one 
ship,  the  blood  is  allowed  to  congeal,  and  the  wounds 
partially  to  close,  during  the  interval  which  takes  place 
previously  to  his  arrival  alongside  of  the  next,  when  the 
cat  again  subjects  him  to  renewed  and  increased  torture. 
During  the  latter  part  of  the  punishment,  the  suffering 
is  dreadful ;  and  a  man  who  has  undergone  this  sentence 
is  generally  broken  down  in  constitution,  if  not  in  spirits, 
for  the  remainder  of  his  life. 

Such  was  the  punishment  inflicted  upon  the  unfortunate 
Peters ;  and  it  would  be  difficult  to  decide,  at  the  moment 
when  it  was  completed,  and  the  blanket  thrown  over 
his  shoulders,  whether  the  heart  or  the  back  of  the 
fainting  man  were  the  more  lacerated  of  the  two. 

Time  can  heal  the  wounds  of  the  body,  over  which  it 
holds  its  empire  j  but  those  of  the  soul,  like  the  soul 
itself,  spurn  his  transitory  sway. 

Peters,  from  that  moment,  was  a  desperate  man.  A 
short  time  after  he  had  undergone  his  sentence,  the  news 
of  the  mutiny  at  Spithead  was  communicated ;  and  the 
vacillation  and  apprehensions  of  the  Admiralty,  and  of 
the  nation  at  large,  were  not  to  be  concealed.  This 
mutiny  was  apparently  quelled  by  conciliation  ;  but  con- 
ciliation is  but  a  half-measure,  and  ineffectual  when  offered 
from  superiors  to  inferiors. 

In  this  world,  I  know  not  why,  there  seems  to  be  but 
one  seal  binding  in  all  contracts  of  magnitude — and  that 
seal  is  blood.  Without  referring  to  the  Jewish  types, 
proclaiming  that  "  all  things  were  purified  by  blood,  and 
without  shedding  of  blood  there  was  no  remission," — 
without  referring  to  that  sublime  mystery  by  which  these 
types  have  been  fulfilled, — it  appears  as  if,  in  all  ages 
and  all  countries,  blood  had  been  the  only  seal  of 
security. 

Examine  the  records  of  history,  the  revolution  of 
opinion,    the   public   tumults,    the   warfare   for   religious 


8  The  King's  Own 

ascendancy — it  will  be  found  that  without  this  seal,  these 
were  only  lulled  for  the  moment,  and  invariably  recom- 
menced until  Mood  had  made  its  appearance  as  witness  to 
"  the  act  and  deed." 


Chapter  II 

This  is  a  long  description,  but  applies 
To  scarce  five  minutes  past  before  the  eyes  ; 
But  yet  ivhai  minutes  I     Moments  like  to  these 
Rend  men's  lives  into  immortalities. 

Byron. 

The  mutiny  at  Spithead  was  soon  followed  up  by  that  at 
the  Nore ;  and  the  ringleader,  Parker,  like  a  meteor 
darting  through  the  firmament,  sprung  from  nothing, 
coruscated,  dazzled,  and  disappeared.  The  Texel  fleet 
joined,  except  a  few  ships,  which  the  courage  and  conduct 
of  the  gallant  old  Admiral  Duncan  preserved  from  the 
contagion.  Let  me  here  digress  a  little,  to  introduce  to 
my  readers  the  speech  made  by  this  officer  to  his  ship's 
company  on  the  first  symptoms  of  disaffection.  It  is 
supposed  that  sailors  are  not  eloquent.  I  assert  that, 
with  the  exception  of  the  North  American  Indians,  who 
have  to  perfection  the  art  of  saying  much  in  few  words, 
there  are  few  people  more  eloquent  than  sailors.  The 
general  object  looked  for  in  this  world  is  to  obtain  the 
greatest  possible  effect  with  the  smallest  power ,  if  so, 
the  more  simple  the  language,  the  more  matter  is 
condensed,  the  nearer  we  approach  to  perfection. 
Flourishes  and  flowers  of  rhetoric  may  be  compared  to 
extra  wheels  applied  to  a  carriage,  increasing  the  rattling 
and  complexity  of  the  machine,  without  adding  to 
either  the  strength  of  its  fabric  or  the  rapidity  of  its 
course. 

It  was  on  the  6th  of  June  that  the  fleet  at  the  Nore 
was  joined  by  the  Agamemnon,  Leopard,  Ardent,  and 
other  ships,  which  had  separated  from  Admiral  Duncan's 


The  King's  Own  9 

fleet.  When  the  admiral  found  himself  deserted  by  part 
of  his  own  fleet,  he  called  his  own  ship's  crew  together, 
and  addressed  them  in  the  following  speech : — 

"  My  lads !  I  once  more  call  you  together  with  a 
sorrowful  heart,  owing  to  what  I  have  lately  seen,  the 
disaffection  of  the  fleets;  I  call  it  disaffection,  for  the 
crews  have  no  grievances.  To  be  deserted  by  my  fleet, 
in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  is  a  disgrace  which,  I  believe, 
never  before  happened  to  a  British  admiral ;  nor  could 
I  have  supposed  it  possible.  My  greatest  comfort  under 
God  is,  that  I  have  been  supported  by  the  officers,  seamen, 
and  marines  of  this  ship,  for  which,  with  a  heart  over- 
flowing with  gratitude,  I  request  you  to  accept  my  sincere 
thanks.  I  flatter  myself  much  good  may  result  from  your 
example,  by  bringing  those  deluded  people  to  a  sense  of 
the  duty  which  they  owe,  not  only  to  their  king  and 
country,  but  to  themselves. 

"  The  British  navy  has  ever  been  the  support  of  that 
liberty  which  has  been  handed  down  to  us  by  our  ancestors, 
and  which  I  trust  we  shall  maintain  to  the  latest  posterity 
— and  that  can  only  be  done  by  unanimity  and  obedience. 
This  ship's  company,  and  others,  who  have  distinguished 
themselves  by  loyalty  and  good  order,  deserve  to  be,  and 
doubtless  will  be,  the  favourites  of  a  grateful  nation.  They 
will  also  have,  from  their  inward  feeling,  a  comfort  which 
will  be  lasting,  and  not  like  the  floating  and  false  confid- 
ence of  those  who  have  swerved  from  their  duty. 

"  It  has  often  been  my  pride  with  you  to  look  into  the 
Texel,  and  see  a  foe  which  dreaded  coming  out  to  meet 
us.  My  pride  is  now  humbled  indeed  !  our  cup  has  over- 
flown, and  made  us  wanton — the  AUwise  Providence  has 
given  us  this  check  as  a  warning,  and  I  hope  we  shall 
improve  by  it.  On  Him  then  let  us  trust  where  our  only 
security  is  to  be  found.  I  find  there  are  many  good  men 
among  us  ;  for  my  own  part,  I  have  had  full  confidence 
of  all  in  this  ship  -,  and  once  more  I  beg  to  express  my 
approbation  of  your  conduct. 

*'May  God,  who  has  thus  far  conducted  you,  continue 


lo  The  King's  Own 

to  do  so  ;  and  may  the  British  navy,  the  glory  and  support 
of  our  country,  be  restored  to  its  wonted  splendour,  and  be 
not  only  the  bulwark  of  Britain,  but  the  terror  of  the  world. 

"  But  this  can  only  be  effected  by  a  strict  adherence  to 
our  duty  and  obedience  ;  and  let  us  pray  that  the  Almighty 
God  may  keep  us  in  the  right  way  of  thinking. 

"  God  bless  you  all." 

At  an  address  so  unassuming,  and  so  calculated,  from 
its  simplicity  and  truth,  to  touch  the  human  heart,  the 
whole  ship's  crew  were  melted  into  tears,  and  declared 
their  resolution  to  adhere  to  their  admiral  in  life  or  death. 
Had  all  the  ships  in  the  fleet  been  commanded  by  such 
men  as  Admiral  Duncan,  the  mutiny  at  Spithead  would 
not  have  been  succeeded  by  that  at  the  Nore  ;  but  the  sea- 
men had  no  confidence,  either  in  their  officers,  or  in  those 
who  presided  at  the  Board  of  Admiralty  ;  and  distrust  of 
their  promises,  which  were  considered  to  be  given  merely 
to  gain  time,  was  the  occasion  of  the  second  and  more 
alarming  rebellion  of  the  two. 

The  irritated  mind  of  Peters  was  stimulated  to  join  the 
disaffected  parties.  His  pride,  his  superior  education,  and 
the  acknowledgment  among  his  shipmates  that  he  was  an 
injured  man,  all  conspired  to  place  him  in  the  dangerous 
situation  of  ringleader  on  board  of  his  own  ship,  the  crew 
of  which,  although  it  had  not  actually  joined  in  the  mutiny, 
now  showed  open  signs  of  discontent. 

But  the  mine  was  soon  exploded  by  the  behaviour  of 
the  captain.  Alarmed  at  the  mutinous  condition  of  the 
other  ships  which  were  anchored  near  to  him,  and  the 
symptoms  of  dissatisfaction  in  his  own,  he  proceeded  to 
an  act  of  unjustifiable  severity,  evidently  impelled  by  fear 
and  not  by  resolution.  He  ordered  several  of  the  petty 
officers  and  leading  men  of  the  ship  to  be  thrown  into 
irons,  because  they  were  seen  to  be  earnestly  talking  to- 
gether on  the  forecastle, — and  recollecting  that  his  conduct 
towards  Peters  had  been  such  as  to  warrant  disaffection, 
he  added  him  to  the  number.  The  effect  of  this  injudicious 
step  was  immediate.     The  men  came  aft  in  a  body  on  the 


The  King's  Own  ii 

quarter-deck,  and  requested  to  know  the  grounds  upon 
which  Peters  and  the  other  men  had  been  placed  in  con- 
finement ;  and  perceiving  alarm  in  the  countenance  of  the 
captain,  notwithstanding  the  resolute  bearing  of  the  officers, 
they  insisted  upon  the  immediate  release  of  their  shipmates. 
Thus  the  first  overt  act  of  mutiny  was  brought  on  by  the 
misconduct  of  the  captain. 

The  officers  expostulated  and  threatened  in  vain.  Three 
cheers  were  called  for  by  a  voice  in  the  crowd,  and  three 
cheers  were  immediately  given.  The  marines,  who  still 
remained  true  to  their  allegiance,  had  been  ordered  under 
arms ;  the  first  lieutenant  of  the  ship — for  the  captain, 
trembling  and  confused,  stood  a  mere  cypher — gave  the 
order  for  the  ship's  company  to  go  below,  threatening 
to  fire  upon  them  if  the  order  was  not  instantaneously 
obeyed.  The  captain  of  marines  brought  his  men  to  the 
"  make  ready,"  and  they  were  about  to  present,  when  the 
first  lieutenant  waved  his  hand  to  stop  the  decided  measure, 
until  he  had  first  ascertained  how  far  the  mutiny  was 
general.  He  stepped  a  few  paces  forward,  and  requested 
that  every  "  blue  jacket "  who  was  inclined  to  remain 
faithful  to  his  king  and  country,  would  walk  over  from 
that  side  of  the  quarter-deck  upon  which  the  ship's  com- 
pany were  assembled,  to  the  one  which  was  occupied  by 
the  officers  and  marines. 

A  pause  and  silence  ensued — when,  after  some  pushing 
and  elbowing  through  the  crowd,  William  Adams,  an 
elderly  quartermaster,  made  his  appearance  in  the  front, 
and  passed  over  to  the  side  where  the  officers  stood,  while 
the  hisses  of  the  rest  of  the  ship's  company  expressed  their 
disapprobation  of  his  conduct.  The  old  man  just  reached 
the  other  side  of  the  deck,  when  turning  round  like  a  lion 
at  bay,  with  one  foot  on  the  comings  of  the  hatchway,  and 
his  arm  raised  in  the  air  to  command  attention,  he  addressed 
them  in  these  few  words  : — 

**My  lads,  I  have  fought  for  my  king  five-and-thirty 
years,  and  have  been  too  long  in  his  service  to  turn  a  rebel 
in  my  old  age." 


12  The  King's  Own 

Would  it  be  credited  that,  after  the  mutiny  had  been 
quelled,  no  representation  of  this  conduct  was  made  to 
government  by  his  captain  ?  Yet  such  was  the  case,  and 
such  was  the  gratitude  of  Captain  A . 

The  example  shown  by  Adams  was  not  followed : — the 
ship's  crew  again  cheered,  and  ran  down  the  hatchways, 
leaving  the  officers  and  marines  on  deck.  They  first  dis- 
armed the  sentry  under  the  half-deck,  and  released  the 
prisoners,  and  then  went  forward  to  consult  upon  further 
operations. 

They  were  not  long  in  deciding.  A  boatswain's  mate, 
who  was  one  of  the  ringleaders,  piped,  "Stand  by 
hammocks  !  "  The  men  ran  on  deck,  each  seizing  a 
hammock,  and  jumping  with  it  down  below  on  the  main 
deck.  The  object  of  this  manoeuvre  not  being  compre- 
hended, they  were  suffered  to  execute  it  without  interrup- 
tion. In  a  few  minutes  they  sent  up  the  marine,  whom 
they  had  disarmed  when  sentry  over  the  prisoners,  to  state 
that  they  wished  to  speak  with  the  captain  and  officers, 
who,  after  some  discussion,  agreed  that  they  would 
descend  and  hear  the  proposals  which  the  ship's  company 
should  make.  Indeed,  even  with  the  aid  of  the  marines, 
many  of  whom  were  wavering,  resistance  would  now  have 
been  useless,  and  could  only  have  cost  them  their  lives ; 
for  they  were  surrounded  by  other  ships  who  had  hoisted 
the  flag  of  insubordination,  and  whose  guns  were  trained 
ready  to  pour  in  a  destructive  fire  on  the  least  sign  of  an 
attempt  to  purchase  their  anchor.  To  the  main-deck  they 
consequently  repaired. 

The  scene  which  here  presented  itself  was  as  striking 
as  it  was  novel.  The  after-part  of  the  main-deck  was 
occupied  by  the  captain  and  officers,  who  had  come  down 
with  the  few  marines  who  still  continued  stedfast  to  their 
duty,  and  one  sailor  only,  Adams,  who  had  so  nobly  stated 
his  determination  on  the  quarter-deck.  The  foremost  part 
of  the  deck  was  tenanted  by  a  noisy  and  tumultuous 
throng  of  seamen,  whose  heads  only  appeared  above  a 
barricade  of  hammocks,  which  they  had  formed  across  the 


The  King's  Own  13 

deck,  and  out  of  which  at  two  embrasures,  admirably  con- 
structed, two  long  twenty-four  pounders,  loaded  up  to  the 
muzzle  with  grape  and  canister  shot,  were  pointed  aft  in 
the  direction  where  the  officers  and  marines  were  standing 
— a  man  at  the  breech  of  each  gun,  with  a  match  in  his 
hand  (which  he  occasionally  blew,  that  the  priming  powder 
might  be  more  rapidly  ignited),  stood  ready  for  the  signal 
to  fire. 

The  captain,  aghast  at  the  sight,  would  have  retreated, 
but  the  officers,  formed  of  sterner  materials,  persuaded 
him  to  stay,  although  he  showed  such  evident  signs  of 
fear  and  perturbation,  as  seriously  to  injure  a  cause,  in 
which  resolution  and  presence  of  mind  alone  could  avail. 
The  mutineers,  at  the  suggestion  of  Peters,  had  already 
sent  aft  their  preliminary  proposals,  which  were,  that  the 
officers  and  marines  should  surrender  up  their  arms,  and 
consider  themselves  under  an  arrest — intimating,  at  the 
same  time,  that  the  first  step  in  advance  made  by  any  one 
of  their  party  would  be  the  signal  for  applying  the  match 
to  the  touch-holes  of  the  guns. 

There  was  a  pause  and  dead  silence,  as  if  it  were  a 
calm,  although  every  passion  was  roused  and  on  the  alert ; 
every  bosom  heaved  tumultuously,  and  every  pulse  was 
trebled  in  its  action.  The  same  feeling  which  so  power- 
fully affects  the  truant  schoolboy — who,  aware  of  his 
offence,  and  dreading  the  punishment  in  perspective,  can 
scarce  enjoy  the  rapture  of  momentary  emancipation — acted 
upon  the  mutineers,  in  an  increased  ratio,  proportioned  to 
the  magnitude  of  their  stake.  Some  hearts  beat  with 
remembrance  of  injuries  and  hopes  of  vengeance  and 
retaliation ;  others  with  ambition,  long  dormant,  bursting 
from  its  concealed  recess ;  and  many  were  actuated  by 
that  restlessness  which  induced  them  to  consider  any 
change  to  be  preferable  to  the  monotony  of  existence  in 
compulsory  servitude. 

Among  the  officers,  some  were  oppressed  with  anxious 
forebodings  of  evil — those  peculiar  sensations  which,  when 
death  approaches  nearly  to  the  outward  senses,  alarm  the 


14  The  King's  Own 

heart ;  others  experienced  no  feeling  but  that  of  manly- 
fortitude  and  determination  to  die,  if  necessary,  like  men  -, 
in  others,  alas  ! — in  which  party,  small  as  it  was,  the 
captain  was  pre-eminent — fear  and  trepidation  amounted 
almost  to  the  loss  of  reason. 

Such  was  the  state  of  the  main-deck  of  the  ship,  at  the 
moment  in  which  we  are  now  describing  it  to  the  reader. 

And  yet,  in  the  very  centre  of  all  this  tumult,  there 
was  one  who,  although  not  indifferent  to  the  scene  around 
him,  felt  interested  without  being  anxious  ;  astonished 
without  being  alarmed.  Between  the  contending  and 
divided  parties,  stood  a  little  boy,  about  six  years  old. 
He  was  the  perfection  of  childish  beauty ;  chestnut  hair 
waved  in  curls  on  his  forehead,  health  glowed  on  his  rosy 
cheeks,  dimples  sported  over  his  face  as  he  altered  the 
expression  of  his  countenance,  and  his  large  dark  eyes 
flashed  with  intelligence  and  animation.  He  was  dressed 
in  mimic  imitation  of  a  man-of-war's  man — loose  trousers, 
tightened  at  the  hips,  to  preclude  the  necessity  of 
suspenders — and  a  white  duck  frock,  with  long  sleeves 
and  blue  collar — while  a  knife,  attached  to  a  lanyard, 
was  suspended  round  his  neck :  a  light  and  narrow- 
brimmed  straw  hat  on  his  head  completed  his  attire. 
At  times  he  looked  aft  at  the  officers  and  marines  j  at 
others  he  turned  his  eyes  forward  to  the  hammocks, 
behind  which  the  ship's  company  were  assembled.  The 
sight  was  new  to  him,  but  he  was  already  accustomed  to 
reflect  much,  and  to  ask  few  questions.  Go  to  the  officers 
he  did  not,  for  the  presence  of  the  captain  restrained  him. 
Go  to  the  ship's  company  he  could  not,  for  the  barricade 
of  hammocks  prevented  him.  There  he  stood,  in  wonder- 
ment, but  not  in  fear. 

There  was  something  beautiful  and  affecting  in  the 
situation  of  the  boy ;  calm,  when  all  around  him  was 
anxious  tumult ;  thoughtless,  when  the  brains  of  others 
were  oppressed  with  the  accumulation  of  ideas  ;  contented, 
where  all  was  discontent ;  peaceful,  where  each  party  that 
he  stood  between  was  thirsting  for  each  other's  blood : — 


The  King's  Own  15 

there  he  stood,  the  only  happy,  the  only  innocent  one, 
amongst  hundreds  swayed  by  jarring  interests  and  con- 
tending passions. 

And  yet  he  was  in  keeping,  although  in  such  strong 
contrast,  with  the  rest  of  the  picture ;  for  where  is  the 
instance  of  the  human  mind  being  so  thoroughly  depraved 
as  not  to  have  one  good  feeling  left  ?  Nothing  exists  so 
base  and  vile  as  not  to  have  one  redeeming  quality.  There 
is  no  poison  without  some  antidote — no  precipice,  however 
barren,  without  some  trace  of  verdure — no  desert,  however 
vast,  without  some  spring  to  refresh  the  parched  traveller, 
some  oasis,  some  green  spot,  which,  from  its  situation, 
in  comparison  with  surrounding  objects,  appears  almost 
heavenly ;  and  thus  did  the  boy  look  almost  angelic, 
standing  as  he  did  between  the  angry  exasperated  parties 
on  the  main-deck  of  the  disorganised  ship. 

After  some  little  time,  he  walked  forward,  and  leaned 
against  one  of  the  twenty-four  pounders  that  was  pointed 
out  of  the  embrasure,  the  muzzle  of  which  was  on  a  level 
with,  and  intercepted  by,  his  little  head. 

Adams,  the  quarter-master,  observing  the  dangerous 
situation  of  the  child,  stepped  forward.  This  was  against 
the  stipulations  laid  down  by  the  mutineers,  and  Peters 
cried  out  to  him  —  *^  Heave-to,  Adams,  or  we  fire!" 
Adams  waved  his  hand  in  expostulation,  and  continued  to 

advance.     "  Keep  back,"  again  cried  Peters,  "  or  by , 

we  fire !  " 

"Not  upon  one  old  man,  Peters,  and  he  unarmed," 
replied  Adams  ;  "  I'm  not  worth  so  much  powder  and 
shot."  The  man  at  the  gun  blew  his  match.  "  For  God's 
sake,  for  your  own  sake,  as  you  value  your  happiness  and 
peace  of  mind,  do  not  fire,  Peters  !  "  cried  Adams,  with 
energy,  "  or  you'll  never  forgive  yourself." 

"Hold  fast  the  match,"  said  Peters;  "we  need  not  fear 
one  man ; "  and  as  he  said  this,  Adams  had  come  up  to  the 
muzzle  of  the  gun,  and  seized  the  boy,  whom  he  snatched 
up  in  his  arms. 

"  I  only  came  forward,  Peters,  to  save  your  own  boy, 


1 6  The  King's  Own 

whose  head  would  have  been  blown  to  atoms  if  you  had 
chanced  to  have  fired  the  gun,"  said  Adams,  turning  short 
round,  and  walking  aft  with  the  boy  in  his  arms. 

**  God  in  heaven  bless  you,  Adams  ! "  cried  Peters,  with 
a  faltering  voice,  and  casting  a  look  of  fond  affection  at  the 
child.  The  heart  of  the  mutineer  was  at  that  moment 
softened  by  parental  feelings,  and  he  blew  the  priming  off 
the  touch-hole  of  the  gun,  lest  an  accidental  spark  should 
risk  the  life  of  his  child,  who  was  now  aft  with  the  officers 
and  their  party. 

Reader,  this  little  boy  will  be  the  hero  of  our  tale. 


Chapter  III 

Roused  discipline  alone  proclaims  their  cause, 
And  injured  navies  urge  their  broken  laws. 
Pursue  we  in  his  track  the  mutineer. 

Btron. 

Man,  like  all  other  animals  of  a  gregarious  nature,  is  more 
inclined  to  follow  than  to  lead.  There  are  few  who  are 
endued  with  that  impetus  of  soul  which  prompts  them  to 
stand  foremost  as  leaders  in  the  storming  of  the  breach, 
whether  it  be  of  a  fortress  of  stone,  or  the  more  dangerous 
one  of  public  opinion,  when  failure  in  the  one  case  may 
precipitate  them  on  the  sword,  and  in  the  other  consign 
them  to  the  scaffold. 

In  this  mutiny  there  were  but  few  of  the  rare  class 
referred  to  above : — in  the  ship  whose  movements  we  have 
been  describing,  not  one,  perhaps,  except  Peters.  There 
were  many  boisterous,  many  threatening,  but  no  one, 
except  him,  who  was  equal  to  the  command,  or  to  whom 
the  command  could  have  been  confided.  He  was,  on 
board  of  his  own  ship,  the  very  life  and  soul  of  the  mutiny. 
At  the  moment  described  at  the  end  of  the  last  chapter,  all 
the  better  feelings  of  his  still  virtuous  heart  were  in  action; 
and,  by  a  captain  possessing  resolution  and  a  knowledge  ot 


The  King's  Own  17 

human  nature,  the  mutiny  might  have  been  suppressed; 

but  Captain  A ,  who  perceived  the  anxiety  of  Peters, 

thought  the  child  a  prize  of  no  small  value,  and,  as  Adams 
brought  him  aft,  snatched  the  boy  from  his  arms,  and 
desired  two  of  the  party  of  marines  to  turn  their  loaded 
muskets  at  his  young  heart  —  thus  intimating  to  the 
mutineers  that  he  would  shoot  the  child  at  the  first  sign 
of  hostility  on  their  part. 

The  two  marines  who  had  received  this  order  looked  at 
each  other  in  silence,  and  did  not  obey.  It  was  repeated 
by  the  captain,  who  considered  that  he  had  hit  upon  a 
masterpiece  of  diplomacy.  The  officers  expostulated ;  the 
officer  commanding  the  party  of  marines  turned  away  in 
disgust ;  but  in  vain  :  the  brutal  order  was  reiterated  with 
threats.  The  whole  party  of  marines  now  murmured,  and 
consulted  together  in  a  low  tone. 

Willy  Peters  was  the  idol  and  plaything  of  the  whole 
crew.  He  had  always  been  accustomed  to  remain  on  board 
with  his  father,  and  there  was  not  a  man  in  the  ship  who 
would  not  have  risked  his  life  to  have  saved  that  of  the 
child.  The  effect  of  this  impolitic  and  cruel  order  was 
decisive.  The  marines,  with  the  sergeant  at  their  head, 
and  little  Willy  placed  in  security  in  the  centre,  their 
bayonets  directed  on  the  defensive  towards  the  captain  and 
officers,  retreated  to  the  mutineers,  whom  they  joined  with 
three  cheers,  as  the  child  was  lifted  over  the  barricade  of 
hammocks,  and  received  into  his  father's  arms. 

"  We  must  not  submit  to  their  terms,  sir,"  said  the 
first  lieutenant. 

**  Any  terms,  any  terms,"  answered  the  terrified  captain : 
"  tell  them  so,  for  God's  sake,  or  they  will  fire.  Adams, 
go  forward,  and  tell  them  we  submit." 

This  order  was,  however,  unnecessary ;  for  the  mutineers, 
aware  of  the  Impossibility  of  any  further  resistance,  had 
thrown  down  the  barricade  of  hammocks,  and,  with  Peters 
at  their  head,  were  coming  aft. 

"  You  consent,  gentlemen,  to  consider  yourselves 
under    an   arrest  ? "   inquired   Peters    of    the    first   lleu- 

K.       I.  B 


i8  The  King's  Own 

tenant  and  officers,  without  paying  any  attention  to  the 
captain. 

"  We  do,  we  do,"  cried  Captain  A .    "  I  hope  you  will 

not  stain  your  hands  with  blood.  Mr  Peters,  I  meant  the 
child  no  harm." 

"  If  you  had  murdered  him.  Captain  A ,  you  could  not 

have  injured  him  so  much  as  you  have  injured  his  father," 
retorted  Peters ;  "  but  fear  not  for  your  life,  sir ;  that  is 
safe  ;  and  you  will  meet  all  the  respect  and  attention  to 
your  wants  that  circumstances  will  permit.  We  war  not 
with  individuals." 

It  was  a  proud  moment  for  Peters  to  see  this  man 
cringing  before  him,  and  receiving  with  thanks  the  promise 
of  his  life  from  one  whom  he  had  so  cruelly  treated.  There 
was  a  glorious  revenge  in  it,  the  full  force  of  which  could 
only  be  felt  by  the  granting,  not  the  receiving  party :  for 
it  could  only  be  appreciated  by  one  who  possessed  those 
fine  and  honourable  feelings,  of  which  Captain  A — —  was 
wholly  destitute. 

If  the  reader  will  consult  the  various  records  of  the 
times  which  we  are  now  describing,  he  will  find  that  every 
respect  was  personally  paid  to  the  officers,  although  they 
were  deprived  of  their  arms.  Some  of  the  most  obnoxious 
were  sent  on  shore,  and  the  intemperate  conduct  of  others 
produced  effects  for  which  they  had  only  to  thank  them- 
selves ;  but,  on  the  whole,  the  remark  made  by  Peters  was 
strictly  correct :  "They  warred  not  with  individuals" — they 
demanded  justice  from  an  ungrateful  country. 

It  is  true  that  the  demands  in  this  mutiny  were  not  so 
reasonable  as  in  the  preceding ;  but  where  is  the  man  who 
can  confine  himself  to  the  exact  balance  of  justice  when 
his  own  feelings  are  unwittingly  thrown  into  the 
scale  ? 

As  I  before  stated,  it  is  not  my  intention  to  follow  up 
the  details  of  this  national  disgrace,  but  merely  to  confine 
myself  to  that  part  which  is  connected  with  the  present 
history.  Peters,  as  delegate  from  his  ship,  met  the  others, 
who  were  daily  assembled,  by  Parker's  directions,  on  board 


The  King's  Own  19 

of  the  Queen  Charlotte,  and  took  a  leading  and  decided  part 
in  the  arrangements  of  the  disaffected  fleet. 

But  Parker,  the  ringleader,  although  a  man  of  talent, 
was  not  equal  to  the  task  he  had  undertaken.  He  lost 
sight  of  several  important  features  necessary  to  insure 
success  in  all  civil  commotions ;  such  as  rapidity  and 
decision  of  action,  constant  employment  being  found,  and 
continual  excitement  being  kept  up,  amongst  his  followers,^ 
to  afford  no  time  for  reflection.  Those  who  serve  under  an 
established  government  know  exactly  their  present  weight 
in  the  scale  of  worldly  rank,  and  the  extent  of  their  future 
expectations ;  they  have  accustomed  themselves  to  bound 
their  ambition  accordingly ;  and  feeling  conscious  that 
passive  obedience  is  the  surest  road  to  advancement,  are  led 
quietly,  here  or  there,  to  be  slaughtered  at  the  will  and 
caprice  of  their  superiors.  But  the  leader  of  the  disaffected 
against  an  established  government  has  a  difficult  task.  He 
has  nothing  to  offer  to  his  followers  but  promises.  There 
is  nothing  on  hand — all  is  expectation.  If  allowed  time 
for  reflection,  they  soon  perceive  that  they  are  acting  an 
humble  part  in  a  dangerous  game  ;  and  that  even  though  it 
be  attended  with  success,  in  all  probability  they  will  receive 
no  share  of  the  advantages,  although  certain  of  incurring  a 
large  proportion  of  the  risk.  The  leader  of  a  connected 
force  of  the  above  description  rises  to  a  dangerous  height 
when  borne  up  by  the  excitement  of  the  time ;  but  let  it 
once  be  permitted  to  subside,  and,  like  the  aeronaut  in  his 
balloon,  from  which  the  gas  escapes  while  it  is  soaring  in 
the  clouds,  he  is  precipitated  from  his  lofty  station,  and 
gravitates  to  his  own  destruction. 

He  must  be  a  wonderful  man  who  can  collect  all  the 
resources  of  a  popular  commotion,  and  bring  it  to  a 
successful  issue.  The  reason  is  obvious — everything 
depends  upon  the  leader  alone.  His  followers  are  but  as 
the  stones  composing  the  arch  of  the  bridge  by  which  the 
gulf  is  to  be  crossed  between  them  and  their  nominal 
superiors  ;  he  is  the  keystone,  upon  which  the  whole 
depends — if  completely  fitted,  rendering  the  arch  durable 


20  The  King's  Own 

and  capable  of  bearing  any  pressure ;  but  if  too  small  in 
dimensions,  or  imperfect  in  conformation,  rendering  the 
whole  labour  futile,  and  occasioning  all  the  fabric  previously 
raised  to  be  precipitated  by  its  own  weight,  and  dispersed 
in  ruin  and  confusion. 

This  latter  was  the  fate  of  the  mutiny  at  the  Nore. 
The  insurrection  was  quelled,  and  the  ringleaders  were 
doomed  to  undergo  the  utmost  penalty  of  martial  law* 
Among  the  rest,  Peters  was  sentenced  to  death. 

In  the  foremost  part  of  the  main-deck  of  a  line-of-battle 
ship,  in  a  square  room,  strongly  bulkheaded,  and  receiving 
light  from  one  of  the  ports,  as  firmly  secured  with  an  iron 
grating — with  no  other  furniture  than  a  long  wooden  form 
— his  legs  in  shackles,  that  ran  upon  a  heavy  iron  bar  lying 
on  the  deck — sat  the  unfortunate  prisoner,  in  company 
with  three  other  individuals — his  wife,  his  child,  and  old 
Adams,  the  quarter-master.  Peters  was  seated  on  the 
deck,  supporting  himself  by  leaning  against  the  bulkhead. 
His  wife  was  lying  beside  him,  with  her  face  hidden  in  his 
lap.  Adams  occupied  the  form,  and  the  child  stood 
between  his  knees.  All  were  silent,  and  the  eyes  of  the 
three  were  directed  towards  one  of  the  sad  company,  who 
appeared  more  wretched  and  disconsolate  than  the  rest. 

"  My  dear,  dear  Ellen !  "  said  Peters  mournfully,  as  a 
fresh  burst  of  grief  convulsed  her  attenuated  frame. 

"Why,  then,  refuse  my  solicitations,  Edward  ?  If  not 
for  yourself,  listen  to  me  for  the  sake  of  your  wife  and 
child.  Irritated  as  your  father  still  may  be,  his  dormant 
affection  will  be  awakened,  when  he  is  acquainted  with  the 
dreadful  situation  of  his  only  son  ;  nay,  his  family  pride  will 
never  permit  that  you  should  perish  by  so  ignominious  a 
death  ;  and  your  assumed  name  will  enable  him,  without 
blushing,  to  exert  his  interest,  and  obtain  your  reprieve." 

"  Do  not  put  me  to  the  pain  of  again  refusing  you, 
my  dearest  Ellen.  I  desire  to  die,  and  my  fate  must  be  a 
warning  to  others.  When  I  reflect  what  dreadful  conse- 
quences might  have  ensued  to  the  country  from  our 
rebellious  proceedings,  I  am  thankful,  truly  thankful,  to 


The  King's  Own  21 

God,  that  we  did  not  succeed.  I  know  what  you  would 
urge — my  wrongs,  my  undeserved  stripes.  I,  too,  would 
urge  them ;  and  when  my  conscience  has  pressed  me  hard, 
have  urged  them  in  palliation  j  but  I  feel  that  it  is  only  in 
palliation,  not  in  justification,  that  they  can  be  brought 
forward.  They  are  no  more  in  comparison  with  my  crime 
than  the  happiness  of  one  individual  is  to  that  of  the  nation 
which  I  assisted  to  endanger,  because  one  constituting  a 
part  of  it  had,  unauthorised,  oppressed  me.  No,  no,  Ellen, 
I  should  not  be  happy  if  I  were  not  to  atone  for  my  faults  j 
and  this  wretched  life  is  the  only  atonement  I  can  offer. 
But  for  you,  and  that  poor  child,  my  dearest  and  kindest,  I 
should  go  to  the  scaffold  rejoicing  ;  but  the  thoughts — O 
God,  strengthen  and  support  me !  "  cried  the  unhappy 
man,  hiding  his  face  in  his  hands. 

**  Fear  not  for  me,  Edward.  I  feel  here,"  said  Ellen, 
laying  her  hand  on  her  heart,  "  a  conviction  that  we  shall 
soon  meet  again.  I  will  urge  you  no  more,  love.  But  the 
boy — the  boy — Oh,  Edward,  what  will  become  of  that 
dear  boy,  when  we  are  both  gone  ? " 

"  Please  God  to  spare  my  life,  he'll  never  want  a 
father,"  said  old  Adams,  as  the  tears  found  a  devious 
passage  down  the  furrows  of  his  weather-beaten  face. 

"  What  will  become  of  him  ? "  cried  Peters  with  energy. 
**  Why,  he  shall  retrieve  his  father's  fault — wash  out  the 
stains  in  his  father's  character.  He  shall  prove  as  liege  a 
subject  as  I  have  been  a  rebellious  one.  He  shall  as  faith- 
fully serve  his  country  as  I  have  shamefully  deserted  it. 
He  shall  be  as  honest  as  I  have  been  false  ;  and  oh,  may  he 
be  as  prosperous  as  I  have  been  unfortunate — as  happy  as 
I  have  been  miserable.  Come  hither,  boy.  By  the  fond 
hopes  I  entertain  of  pardon  and  peace  above — by  the 
Almighty,  in  whose  presence  I  must  shortly  tremble,  I  here 
devote  thee  to  thy  country — serve  her  bravely  and  faith- 
fully. Tell  me,  Willy,  do  you  understand  me,  and  will 
you  promise  me  this  ? " 

The  boy  laid  his  head  upon  his  father's  shoulder,  and 
answered  in  a  low  tone — **  I  will ; "  and  then  after  a  short 


22  The  King's  Own 

pause,  added,  **  but  what  are  they  going  to  do  with  you, 
father  ?  " 

"  I  am  going  to  die  for  my  country's  good,  my  child. 
If  God  wills  it,  may  you  do  the  same,  but  in  a  more 
honourable  manner." 

The  boy  seemed  lost  in  thought,  and,  after  a  short  time, 
quitted  his  father's  side,  and  sat  down  on  the  deck  by  his 
mother,  without  speaking. 

Adams  rose,  and  taking  him  up,  said,  "Mayhap  you 
have  that  to  talk  of  which  wants  no  listeners.  I  will  take 
Willy  with  me,  and  give  him  a  little  air  before  I  put  him 
in  his  hammock.  It's  but  a  close  hole  this.  Good-night 
to  you  both,  though  I'm  afeard  that's  but  a  wish." 

But  a  wish  indeed ! — and  it  was  the  last  that  was  ever 
to  close  upon  the  unhappy  Peters.  The  next  morning  was 
appointed  for  his  execution.  There  are  scenes  of  such 
consummate  misery,  that  they  cannot  be  portrayed  without 
harrowing  up  the  feelings  of  the  reader, — and  of  these  the 
climax  may  be  found  in  a  fond  wife,  lying  at  the  feet  of 
her  husband  during  the  last  twelve  hours  of  his  mortal 
career.     We  must  draw  the  curtain. 

And  now,  reader,  the  title  of  this  work,  which  may 
have  puzzled  you,  will  be  explained  ;  for,  intelligible  as  it 
may  be  to  our  profession,  it  may  be  a  mystery  to  those 
who  are  not  in  his  Majesty's  service.  The  broad-headed 
arrow  was  a  mark  assumed  at  the  time  of  the  Edwards 
(when  it  was  considered  the  mosi:  powerful  weapon  of 
attack),  as  distinguishing  the  property  of  the  King ;  and 
this  mark  has  been  continued  down  to  the  present  day. 
Every  article  supplied  to  his  Majesty's  service  from  the 
arsenals  and  dockyards  is  thickly  studded  with  this  mark  ; 
and  to  be  found  in  possession  of  any  property  so  marked  is 
a  capital  offence,  as  it  designates  that  property  to  be  the 
King^s  own. 

When  Adams  left  the  condemned  cell  with  Willy,  he 
thought  upon  what  had  passed,  and  as  Peters  had  devoted 
the  boy  to  his  King  and  country,  he  felt  an  irresistible 
desire  to  mark  him.     The  practice  of  tattooing  is  very 


The  King's  Own  23 

common  in  the  navy ;  and  you  will  see  a  sailor's  arm 
covered  with  emblems  from  the  shoulder  to  the  wrist  ;  his 
own  initials,  that  of  his  sweetheart,  the  crucifix,  Neptune, 
and  mermaids  being  huddled  together,  as  if  mythology 
and  scripture  were  one  and  the  same  thing.  Adams  was 
not  long  in  deciding,  and  telling  our  little  hero  that  his 
father  wished  it — he  easily  persuaded  him  to  undergo  the 
pain  of  the  operation,  which  was  performed  on  the  fore- 
castle, by  pricking  the  shape  of  the  figure  required  with 
the  points  of  needles,  and  rubbing  the  bleeding  parts  with 
wet  gunpowder  and  ink.  By  these  simple  means  the  form 
of  a  broad-headed  arrow,  or  the  King's  mark,  was,  in  the 
course  of  an  hour,  indelibly  engraved  upon  the  left 
shoulder  of  little  Willy,  who  was  then  consigned  to  his 
hammock. 


Chapter  IV 

The  strife  was  o'er,  the  vanquished  had  their  doom  ; 
The  mutineers  were  crush'd,  dispersed,  or  ta'en, 
Or  lived  to  deem  the  happiest  were  the  slain. 

By-ron. 

The  day  broke  serenely  but  brightly,  and  poured  in  a 
stream  of  light  through  the  iron  grating  of  the  cell  where 
Peters  and  his  wife  lay  clasped  in  each  other's  arms,  not 
asleep,  but  torpid,  and  worn  out  with  extreme  suffering. 
Peters  was  the  first  to  break  the  silence,  and  gently  moved 
Ellen,  as  he  called  her  by  her  name.  She  had  not  for 
some  time  lifted  up  her  head,  which  was  buried  in  his 
bosom ;  and  she  was  not  aware  that  the  darkness  had  been 
dispelled.  She  raised  her  head  at  his  summons,  and  as  the 
dazzling  light  burst  upon  her  sunken  eyes,  so  did  the 
recollection  that  this  was  the  fatal  morning  flash  upon  her 
memory. 

With  a  shriek,  she  again  buried  her  face  in  the  bosom 
of  her  husband.  "Ellen,  as  you  love  me,"  said  Peters, 
**  do  not  distress  me  in  my  last  hour.     I  have  yet  much  to 


24  The  King's  Own 

do  before  I  die,  and  require  your  assistance  and  support. 
Rise,  my  love,  and  let  me  write  to  my  father ;  I  must  not 
neglect  the  interest  of  our  child." 

She  rose  tremblingly,  and,  turning  back  from  her  face 
her  beautiful  hair,  which  had  been  for  so  many  days 
neglected,  and  was  now  moistened  with  her  tears,  reached 
the  materials  required  by  her  husband,  who,  drawing 
towards  him  the  wooden  form  to  serve  him  as  a  table, 
wrote  the  following  letter,  while  his  wife  sat  by  him  with 
a  countenance  of  idiotic  apathy  and  despair  : — 

"Dear  Father, — Yes,  still  dear  father, — Before  you 
cast  your  eyes  upon  these  characters,  you  will  be  childless. 
— Your  eldest  boy  perished  nobly  in  the  field  of  honour : 
your  youngest  and  last  will  this  morning  meet  an  igno- 
minious, but  deserved  death  on  the  scaffold.  Thus  will 
you  be  childless ;  but  if  your  son  does  meet  the  fate  of  a 
traitor,  still  the  secret  is  confined  to  you  alone,  and  none 
will  imagine  that  the  unhappy  Peters,  ringleader  of  a 
mutinous  ship,  was  the  scion  of  a  race  who  have  so  long 
preserved  an  unblemished  name.  Fain  would  I  have 
spared  you  this  shock  to  your  feelings,  and  have  allowed 
you  to  remain  in  ignorance  of  my  disgrace ;  but  I  have  an 
act  of  duty  to  perform  to  you  and  to  my  child — towards 
you,  that  your  estates  may  not  be  claimed,  and  pass  away 
to  distant  and  collateral  branches  ; — towards  my  child,  that 
he  may  eventually  reclaim  his  rights.  Father,  I  forgive 
you,  I  might  say— but  no — let  all  now  be  buried  in 
oblivion ;  and  as  you  peruse  these  lines,  and  think  on  my 
unhappy  fate,  shed  a  tear  in  memory  of  the  once  happy 
child  you  fondled  on  your  knee,  and  say  to  your  heart,  *  I 
forgive  him.' 

"  I  have  dedicated  my  boy  to  his  king  and  country. 
If  you  forgive  me,  and  mean  to  protect  your  grandchild, 
do  not  change  the  career  in  life  marked  out  for  him : — 
it  is  a  solemn  compact  between  my  God  and  me;  and 
you  must  fulfil  this  last  earnest  request  of  a  dying  man, 
as  you  hope  for  future  pardon  and  bliss. 


The  King's  Own  25 

**  His  distracted  mother  sits  by  me ;  I  would  entreat 
you  to  extend  your  kindness  towards  her,  but  I  fear  she 
will  soon  require  no  earthly  aid.  Still,  soothe  her  last 
moments  with  a  promise  to  protect  the  orphan,  and  may 
God  bless  you  for  your  kindness. 

"  Your  affectionate  son, 
"Edward." 

Peters  had  scarcely  finished  this  letter  when  Adams, 
with  the  boy  in  his  arms,  was  admitted.  "I  come  for 
final  orders,  Peters,  and  to  tell  you  what  I  did  last  night 
to  this  boy.  He  is  real  stuff, — never  winced.  You  said 
he  was  to  be  the  King's,  and  I  thought  you  would  like 
that  he  should  be  marked  as  such.  There  is  no  mistaking 
this  mark,  Peters,"  continued  Adams,  baring  the  boy's 
shoulder,  and  showing  the  impression  of  the  broad-headed 
arrow,  which  now  appeared  angry  and  inflamed,  as  it 
always  is  for  some  days  after  the  operation.  *'I  did  not 
mention  that  I  was  going  to  do  it,  because  Ellen  then 
might  not  have  liked  it :  but  I  hope  you  do." 

"  Many,  many  thanks,"  answered  Peters ;  and  opening 
his  letter,  which  was  folded,  but  not  sealed,  he  added  a 
postscript,  pointing  out  the  mark  by  which  the  boy  would 
be  identified.  "  You  could  not  have  done  me  a  greater 
favour,  Adams ;  and  now  you  must  promise  me  once  more, 
which  is  to  look  after  my  poor  Ellen,  when " 

"  I  understand,  my  good  fellow,  and  I  will,"  replied 
Adams.  "  There  is  the  chaplain  outside,  who  is  all  ready 
for  service  if  you  would  like  to  see  him,"  continued  the 
old  man,  passing  his  hands  over  his  humid  eyes. 

"  Ask  him  to  come  in,  Adams ;  he  is  a  good  man,  and 
an  honour  to  his  profession.     I  shall  be  glad  to  see  him." 

Adams  went  to  the  door,  and  soon  returned  with  the 
chaplain.  He  saluted  Peters,  who  respectfully  bowed  to 
him,  and  said :  "  I  have  long  made  my  peace  with  God 
and  man,  sir,  and  am  as  well  prepared  to  die  as  sinful 
mortal  can  be — in  faith  and  charity  with  all  men.  Many 
thanks  to  you,  sir,  for  your  kindness ;  but,  sir,  you  may 


26  The  King's  Own 

be  of  use  here  yet.  Can  you  " — and  his  voice  faltered, — 
**  can  you,  sir,  help  that  poor  young  woman  ?  Cannot 
you  reason  her  into  some  kind  of  tranquillity,  some  degree 
of  submission  to  God's  will  ?  Oh,  do  that,  sir,  and  you 
will  confer  a  favour  on  me  indeed." 

The  chaplain  approached  Ellen,  who  lay  on  the  deck 
in  a  state  of  mental  stupefaction,  and,  addressing  her  in 
mild  accents,  persuaded  her  to  rise  and  take  a  seat  on  the 
form ;  he  kindly  contrived  to  bring  it  forward  to  the  iron- 
grated  port,  so  that  she  could  not  witness  the  motions  of 
Peters,  and,  with  a  low,  yet  energetic  and  persuasive 
voice,  attempted  to  reason  her  into  patience  and  resigna- 
tion. His  efforts  were  in  vain.  She  occasionally  looked 
upon  him  with  a  vacant  stare,  but  her  thoughts  were 
elsewhere.  During  the  period,  Peters  had  time  to  shave 
himself,  and  dress  in  clean  attire,  preparatory  to  being 
summoned  to  his  fate. 

The  time  was  approaching  fast ;  one  bell  after  eight 
o'clock,  designating  the  half-hour,  had  struck ;  at  two 
bells  (nine  o'clock)  he  was  to  be  summoned  to  his  doom. 
The  clergyman  rose  from  his  useless  endeavours — "Let 
us  pray,"  said  he,  and  sank  upon  his  knees, — Peters, 
Adams,  and  the  child,  followed  his  example ;  and  last 
of  all,  poor  Ellen,  who  seemed  to  recover  her  recollection, 
sank  on  her  knees,  but,  unable  to  keep  her  position,  fell 
towards  the  clergyman,  who,  as  he  supported  her  in  his 
arms,  poured  forth  a  fervent  and  eloquent  appeal  in  behalf 
of  the  one  who  was  about  to  appear  in  the  presence  of 
his  Maker,  and  of  those  who  were  left  in  tribulation 
behind.  It  was  scarcely  over  when  the  door  opened,  and 
the  provost-marshal  claimed  his  prisoner. 

The  prayer  of  the  chaplain  seemed  to  ring  in  Ellen's 
ears,  and  she  remained  supported  by  the  worthy  man, 
muttering  parts  of  it  at  intervals,  during  which  time  the 
limbs  of  her  husband  were  freed  from  the  shackles.  All 
was  ready  ;  and  Peters,  straining  the  child  to  his  bosom 
in  silence,  and  casting  one  look  at  his  dear  Ellen,  who 
still  remained  in  a  state  of  stupefaction,  denied  himself 


The  King's  Own  27 

a  last  embrace  (though  the  effort  wrung  his  heart)  rather 
than  awaken  her  to  her  misery.  He  quitted  the  cell,  and 
the  chaplain,  quietly  placing  Ellen  in  the  arms  of  Adams, 
followed,  that  he  might  attend  and  support  Peters  in  his 
last  moments. 

The  prisoner  was  conducted  on  the  quarter-deck 
previously   to   being    sent    forward    to   execution.      His 

sentence  was  read  by  Captain  A ;    and    the  remark 

may  perhaps  be  considered  uncharitable,  but  there  cer- 
tainly appeared  to  be  an  ill-concealed  satisfaction  in  his 
countenance  as  he  came  to  that  part  where  it  stated  that 
the  prisoner  was  to  **  suffer  death."  Peters  heard  it  read 
with  firmness,  and  asked  permission  to  address  the  ship's 
company.  This  was  at  first  refused  by  the  captain ;  but, 
at  the  request  of  the  officers,  and  the  assurance  of  the 
chaplain  that  he  would  vouch  for  the  language  of  Peters 
being  such  as  would  have  a  proper  tendency  to  future 
subordination  on  the  part  of  the  ship's  company,  it  was 
assented  to.  Bowing  first  to  the  captain  and  officers, 
Peters  turned  to  the  ship's  company,  who  had  assembled 
on  the  booms  and  gangway,  and  addressed  them  as 
follows : — 

"  Shipmates,  the  time  may  come  when  our  country  shall 
be  at  peace,  and  your  services  no  longer  be  required. 
Then,  when  you  narrate  to  your  children  the  events  of  this 
unhappy  mutiny,  do  not  forget  to  add  instruction  to  amuse- 
ment, by  pointing  out  to  them  that  it  ended  in  the  disgrace 
and  death  of  the  ringleaders.  Tell  them  that,  in  your 
presence,  one  of  them  acknowledged  on  the  quarter-deck 
the  justice  of  his  sentence,  and  returned  thanks  to  his 
Majesty  for  his  kindness  in  pardoning  others  who  had  been 
led  into  the  same  error.  Tell  them  to  do  their  duty,  to 
fight  nobly  for  their  Kling  and  country,  and  warn  them  by 
our  example " 

At  this  moment  "Willy,  who  had  eluded  the  vigilance  of 
old  Adams,  who  was  occupied  in  supporting  the  inanimate 
Ellen,  pushed  his  way  between  the  Jegs  of  the  marines,  who 
were  drawn  up  in  ranks  on  the  quarter-deck,  and,  running 


28  The  King's  Own 

to  his  father,  laid  hold  of  the  loose  sailor's  trousers  in  which 
he  was  attired,  and  looked  anxiously  and  inquisitively  in  his 
face.  Peters's  voice  faltered ;  he  attempted  to  continue  his 
address  to  the  men,  but  could  not  j  and  waving  his  hand, 
and  pointing  to  the  child,  in  mute  explanation  of  the  cause, 
after  struggling  in  vain  against  the  overflowings  of  a  father's 
heart,  he  bent  over  the  boy  and  burst  into  tears. 

The  effect  was  electrical.  The  shock  was  communicated 
to  all ;  not  an  eye  but  was  dimmed ;  sobs  were  heard  in 
the  crowd ;  the  oldest  officers  turned  away  to  conceal  their 
emotions ;  the  younger,  and  more  fresh  in  heart,  covered 
their  faces,  and  leant  against  the  bulwarks ;  the  marines 
forgot  their  discipHne,  and  raised  their  hands  from  their 
sides  to  wipe  their  eyes.  Many  a  source,  long  supposed  to 
be  hermetically  sealed,  was  re-opened, — many  a  spring  long 
dry  reflowed  rapidly ;  even  Captain  A was  moved. 

By  a  singular  coincidence,  the  grouping  of  the  parties  at 
this  moment  was  nearly  the  same  as  when  we  first  intro- 
duced our  little  hero  to  the  reader — the  officers  and  marines 
on  the  after  part  of  the  deck,  the  ship's  company  forward, 
and  little  Willy  standing  between  the  two.  Again  he 
appears  in  the  same  position ; — but  what  a  change  of  feel- 
ing had  taken  place !  As  if  he  had  been  a  little  spirit  of 
good,  waving  his  fairy  talisman,  evil  passions,  which  in  the 
former  scene  were  let  loose,  had  retired  to  their  darkest 
recesses,  and  all  the  better  feelings  of  humanity  were  called 
forth,  and  displayed  in  one  universal,  spontaneous,  and 
unfeigned  tribute  to  the  melancholy  and  affecting  scene. 

The  silence  was  first  broken  by  Willy — "  Where  are  you 
going,  father ;  and  why  do  you  wear  that  night-cap  ?  " 

"  I  am  going  to  sleep,  child, — to  an  eternal  sleep  !  God 
bless  and  protect  you,"  said  Peters,  taking  him  up  and  kiss- 
ing him.     "  And  now,  sir,  I  am  ready,"  continued  Peters, 

who  had  recovered  his  self-possession  j  "  Captain  A , 

I  forgive  you,  as  I  trust  to  be  forgiven  myself.     Mr ," 

said  he,  addressing  the  first  lieutenant,  "  take  this  child  by 
the  hand,  and  do  not  permit  him  to  come  forward — 
remember  he  is  the  '  King's  Own.' "     Then,  bowing  to  the 


The  King's  Own  29 

chaplain,  who  had  scarcely  recovered  from  the  effects  that 
the  scene  had  produced  upon  him,  and  looking  significantly 
at  the  provost-marshal,  Peters  bent  his  steps  forward  by 
the  gangway — the  noose  was  fastened — the  gun  fired,  and, 
in  a  moment,  all  was  over. 

Loud  as  was  the  report  of  the  gun,  those  who  were 
appointed  to  the  unpleasant  duty  of  running  aft  with  the 
rope  on  the  main-deck,  which  swung  Peters  to  the  yard- 
arm,  heard  a  shriek  that  even  that  deafening  noise  could 
not  overpower.  It  was  the  soul  of  Ellen  joining  that  of  her 
husband — and,  before  the  day  closed,  their  bodies  were 
consigned  to  the  same  grave — 

"  Where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  the  weary  are  at  rest.' 


Chapter    V 

Lord  of  himself,  that  heritage  of  woe. 


Byron. 


Our  novel  may,  to  a  certain  degree,  be  compared  to  one  of 
the  pantomimes  which  rival  theatres  annually  bring  forth  for 
the  amusement  of  the  holiday  children.  We  open  with 
dark  and  solemn  scenes,  introducing  occasionally  a  bright 
image,  which  appears  with  the  greater  lustre  from  the  con- 
trast around  it ;  and  thus  we  proceed,  until  Harlequin  is 
fairly  provided  with  his  wand,  and  despatched  to  seek  his 
adventures  by  land  and  by  sea.  To  complete  the  parallel, 
the  whole  should  wind  up  with  a  blaze  of  light  and  beauty, 
till  our  dazzled  eyes  are  relieved,  and  the  illusion  disappears, 
at  the  fall  of  the  green  curtain,  which,  like  the  "Finis" 
at  the  end  of  the  third  volume,  tells  us  that  all  is  over. 

We  must,  however,  be  allowed  to  recapitulate  a  little 
in  this  chapter,  previously  to  launching  our  hero  upon  the 
uncertain  and  boisterous  sea  of  human  life.  It  will  be 
necessary,  for  the  correct  development  of  the  piece,  that 
the  attention  of  the  reader  should  be  called  to  the  history 
of  the  grandfather  of  our  hero. 


30  The  King's  Own 

Admiral  De  Courcy  was  the  lineal  descendant  of  an 
ancient  and  wealthy  family,  of  high  aristocratic  connection. 
He  had  the  misfortune,  at  an  early  age,  to  lose  his  father, 
to  be  an  only  child,  and  to  have  a  very  weak  and  doting 
mother.  Add  to  all  these,  that  he  was  the  heir  to  a  large 
entailed  property,  and  the  reader  will  acknowledge  that 
€ven  the  best  disposed  child  stood  a  fair  chance  of  being 
spoiled. 

But  young  De  Courcy  was  not  a  well-disposed  child  :  he 
was  of  a  violent,  headstrong,  and  selfish  disposition,  and 
was  not  easily  to  be  checked  by  the  firmest  hand.  He 
advanced  to  man's  estate,  the  cruel  tyrant  of  a  fond  and 
foolish  mother,  and  the  dislike  of  all  around  him.  His 
restless  disposition,  backed  by  the  persuasions  of  his  mother 
to  the  contrary,  induced  him  to  enter  into  the  naval  service. 
At  the  time  we  are  now  describing,  the  name  of  the  boy 
often  appeared  on  the  books  of  a  man-of-war,  when  the 
boy  himself  was  at  school  or  at  home  with  his  friends  -,  if 
there  were  any  regulations  to  the  contrary,  they  were 
easily  surmounted  by  interest.  The  consequence  was, 
that, — without  any  knowledge  of  his  profession,  without 
having  commenced  his  career  by  learning  to  obey  before  he 
was  permitted  to  command, — at  the  early  age  of  eight- 
een years,  young  De  Courcy  was  appointed  captain  of 
a  fine  frigate ;  and,  as  the  power  of  a  captain  of  a  man-of- 
war  was  at  that  time  almost  without  limit,  and  his  conduct 
without  scrutiny,  he  had  but  too  favourable  an  opportunity 
of  indulging  his  tyrannical  propensities.  His  caprice  and 
violence  were  unbounded,  his  cruelty  odious,  and  his  ship 
was  designated  by  the  sobriquet  of  "  The  Hell  Afloat." 

There  are,  however,  limits  to  the  longest  tether  ;  and 
as  no  officer  would  remain  in  the  ship,  and  the  desertion 
of  the  men  became  so  extensive,  that  a  fine  frigate  lay 
useless  and  unmanned,  the  government  at  last  perceived 
the  absolute  necessity  of  depriving  of  command  one  who 
could  not  command  himself.  The  ship  was  paid  off,  and 
even  the  interest  of  Captain  De  Courcy,  powerful  as  it  was, 
could  not  obtain  further  employment  for  him.     Having 


The  King's  Own  31 

for  some  time  been  in  possession  of  his  large  property, 
Captain  De  Courcy  retired  to  the  hall  of  his  ancestors, 
with  feelings  of  anger  against  the  government,  which  his 
vindictive  temper  prompted  him  to  indulge  by  the  annoy- 
ance of  all  round  him  :  and,  instead  of  diffusing  joy  and 
comfort  by  the  expenditure  of  his  wealth,  he  rendered 
himself  odious  by  avarice, — a  vice  the  more  contemptible, 
as  it  was  unexpected  at  so  early  an  age. 

But,  much  as  he  was  an  object  of  abhorrence,  he  was 
more  an  object  of  pity.  With  a  handsome  exterior,  and 
with  fascinating  manners,  of  high  birth  and  connections, 
with  a  splendid  fortune, — in  short,  with  every  supposed 
advantage  that  the  world  could  give,  he  was,  through  the 
injudicious  conduct  of  a  fond  mother,  whose  heart  he  had 
broken,  the  most  miserable  of  beings.  He  was  without 
society,  for  he  was  shunned  by  the  resident  gentlemen  in 
the  neighbourhood.  Even  match-making  mothers,  with 
hearts  indurated  by  interest,  and  with  a  string  of  tall 
daughters  to  provide  for,  thought  the  sacrifice  too  great, 
and  shuddered  at  an  alliance  with  Captain  De  Courcy. 
Avoided  by  the  tenants  of  his  large  estates,  whose 
misfortunes  met  with  no  compassion,  and  whose  inability 
to  answer  the  demands  of  the  rent-day  were  followed  up 
with  immediate  distress  and  seizure, — abhorred  by  his  own 
household,  who,  if  their  services  were  not  required, 
vanished  at  his  approach,  or,  if  summoned,  entered  the 
door  of  his  room  trembling, — he  was  an  isolated  and 
unhappy  being,  a  torment  to  himself  and  to  others.  Wise, 
indeed,  was  Solomon,  when  he  wrote,  that  "  he  who 
spared  the  rod  spoiled  the  child." 

The  monotony  of  a  life  whose  sole  negative  enjoyment 
consisted  in  the  persecution  of  others,  induced  Captain  De 
Courcy  to  make  occasional  excursions  to  the  different 
watering-places  ;  and  whether  that,  to  a  certain  degree,  he 
was  schooled  by  banishment  from  society  at  home,  or  that 
he  had  no  opportunity  of  displaying  his  diabolical  temper, 
his  prepossessing  appearance  and  well-known  riches  made 
him  a  great    favourite   in    these   marts    for    beauty.     An 


32  The  King's  Own 

amiable  girl  was  unfortunate  enough  to  fix  his  attention ; 
and  a  hasty  proposal  was  as  hastily  accepted  by  her  friends, 
and  quietly  acquiesced  in  by  herself.  She  married,  and 
was  miserable,  until  released  from  her  heedless  engage- 
ment by  death. 

There  are  those  who  excuse  a  violent  temper  in  a  man, 
and  consider  it  no  obstacle  to  happiness  in  the  marriage 
life.  Alas,  may  they  never  discover  the  fatal  error  in 
their  own  union  !  Even  with  the  best  hearted  and  most 
fondly  attached,  with  those  who  will  lavish  every  endear- 
ment, acknowledge  their  fault  and  make  every  subsequent 
effort  to  compensate  for  the  irritation  of  the  moment, 
violence  of  temper  must  prove  the  bane  of  marriage  bliss. 
Bitter  and  insulting  expressions  have  escaped,  unheeded  at 
the  time,  and  forgotten  by  the  offending  party  5  but, 
although  forgiven,  never  to  be  forgotten  by  the  other. 
Like  barbed  arrows,  they  have  entered  into  the  heart  of 
her  whom  he  had  promised  before  God  to  love  and  to 
cherish ;  and  remain  there  they  must,  for  they  cannot  be 
extracted.  Affection  may  pour  balm  into  the  wounds,  and 
soothe  them  for  the  time ;  and,  while  love  fans  them  with 
his  soft  wings,  the  heat  and  pain  may  be  unperceived  ;  but 
passion  again  asserts  his  empire,  and  upon  his  rude  attack 
these  ministering  angels  are  forced  from  their  office  of 
charity,  and  woman,  kind,  devoted  woman,  looks  inwardly 
with  despair  upon  her  wounded  and  festering  heart. 

Hurried  as  she  was  to  an  early  tomb,  the  unfortunate 
wife  of  Captain  De  Courcy  had  still  time  to  present  him 
with  two  fine  boys,  whose  infantine  endearments  soothed 
his  violence  ;  and,  as  long  as  they  showed  no  spirit  of 
resistance,  they  were  alternately  fondled  and  frightened. 
But  children  are  not  blind  ;  and  the  scenes  which  con- 
tinually occurred  between  their  parents, — the  tears  of  their 
mother,  and  the  remarks  made  in  their  presence  by  the 
domestics, — soon  taught  them  to  view  their  father  with 
dread.  Captain  De  Courcy  perceived  that  he  was  shunned 
by  his  children,  the  only  beings  whom  he  had  endeavoured 
(as  far  as  his  temper  would  permit)   to  attach  to  him. 


The  King's  Own  33 

They  were  dismissed  to  school  at  a  very  early  age,  and 
were  soon  treated  by  their  father  in  the  same  harsh 
manner  as  all  those  who  had  the  misfortune  to  be  under 
his  baneful  protection.  They  returned  home  at  holiday 
time  with  regret ;  and  the  recommencement  of  their 
scholastic  duties  was  a  source  of  delight.  The  mother 
died,  and  all  at  home  was  desolate.  The  violence  of  their 
father  seemed  to  increase  from  indulgence  -,  and  the  youths, 
who  were  verging  into  manhood,  proved  that  no  small 
portion  of  the  parent's  fiery  disposition  had  been  trans- 
mitted to  them,  and  showed  a  spirit  of  resistance  which 
ended  in  their  ruin. 

William,  the  eldest  of  the  boys,  was,  as  it  were,  by 
birthright,  the  first  to  fall  a  victim  to  his  father's  temper. 
Struck  senseless  and  bleeding  to  the  ground  for  some 
trifling  indiscretion,  as  he  lay  confined  to  his  bed  for  many 
subsequent  days,  he  formed  the  resolution  of  seeking  his 
own  fortune,  rather  than  submit  to  hourly  degradation. 
At  the  period  at  which  this  occurred,  many  years  pre- 
viously to  the  one  of  which  we  are  now  writing,  the  East 
India  Company  had  but  a  short  time  received  its  charter, 
and  its  directors  were  not  the  proud  rulers  which  they 
have  since  become.  It  never  was  calculated  that  a 
company,  originally  consisting  of  a  few  enterprising 
merchants,  could  ever  have  established  themselves  (even 
by  the  most  successful  of  mischievous  arts)  the  controllers 
of  an  immense  empire,  independent  of,  and  anomalous  to, 
the  constitution  of  England ;  or  that  privileges,  granted  to 
stimulate  the  enterprise  of  individuals,  would  have  been 
the  ground  of  a  monopoly,  which,  like  an  enormous 
incubus,  should  oppress  the  nation  from  the  throne  to  the 
cottage.  They  gladly  accepted  the  offers  of  all  adven- 
turers ;  and  at  that  period,  there  was  as  much  eagerness 
on  their  part  to  secure  the  services  of  individuals,  as  there 
now  is  on  the  part  of  applicants  to  be  enrolled  on  the 
books  of  the  Company. 

William,  without  acquainting  his  father,  entered  into  an 
engagement  with  the  Company,  signed  it,  and  was  shipped 

K.       I.  c 


34  The  King's  Own 

off,  with  many  others,  who,  less  fortunate,  had  been 
nefariously  kidnapped  for  the  same  destination.  He 
arrived  in  India,  rose  to  the  rank  of  captain,  and  fell  in 
one  of  the  actions  that  were  fought  at  this  time.  The 
letter  which  William  left  on  the  table,  directed  to  his 
father,  informing  him  of  the  step  he  had  been  induced  to 
take,  was  torn  to  atoms,  and  stamped  upon  with  rage  ; 
and  the  bitter  malediction  of  the  parent  was  launched  with 
dreadful  vehemence  upon  the  truant  son,  in  the  presence 
of  the  one  who  remained. 

And  yet  there  was  one  man,  before  whom  this  haughty 
and  vindictive  spirit  quailed,  and  who  had  the  power  to 
soften,  although  not  wholly  to  curb,  his  impetuosity, — 
one,  who  dared  to  tell  him  the  truth,  expose  to  him  the 
folly  and  wickedness  of  his  conduct,  and  meet  the  angry 
flash  of  his  eye  with  composure, — one  whose  character  and 
office  secured  him  from  insult,  and  who  was  neither  to  be 
frightened  nor  diverted  from  his  purpose  of  doing  good. 
It  was  the  vicar  of  the  parish,  who,  much  as  he  disliked 
the  admiral  (for  Captain  De  Courcy  had  latterly  obtained 
the  rank  by  seniority  on  the  list),  continued  his  visits  to 
the  hall,  that  he  might  appeal  for  the  unfortunate.  The 
admiral  would  willingly  have  shaken  him  off,  but  his 
attempts  were  in  vain.  The  vicar  was  firm  at  his  post, 
and  often  successfully  pleaded  the  cause  of  his  parishioners, 
who  were  most  of  them  tenants  of  the  admiral.  He  was 
unassisted  in  his  parochial  duties  by  the  curate,  a  worthy, 
but  infirm  and  elderly  man,  fast  sinking  into  his  grave,  and 
whom,  out  of  Christian  charity,  he  would  not  remove  from 
his  situation,  as  it  would  have  deprived  him  of  the  means 
of  support. 

Edward,  the  younger  brother,  naturally  sought  that 
happiness  abroad  which  was  denied  him  at  home.  The 
house  of  the  curate  was  one  of  his  most  favourite  resorts, 
for  the  old  man  had  a  beautiful  and  only  daughter, — poor 
Ellen,  whose  fate  we  have  just  recorded.  It  is  sufficient 
for  the  present  narrative  to  state,  that  these  two  young 
people  loved,  and  plighted  their  troth ;  that  for  two  years 


The  King's  Own  ^5 

they  met  with  joy,  and  parted  with  regret,  until  the 
approaching  dissolution  of  the  old  curate  opened  their  eyes 
to  the  dangerous  position  in  which  they  were  placed.  He 
died  ;  and  Edward,  who  beheld  her  whom  he  loved  thrown 
unprotected  and  penniless  on  the  world,  mustered  up  the 
courage  of  desperation,  to  state  to  his  father  the  wishes  of 
his  heart. 

A  peremptory  order  to  leave  the  house,  or  abandon 
Ellen,  was  the  immediate  result ;  and  the  indignant  young 
man  quitted  the  roof,  and  persuaded  the  unhappy  and  fond 
girl  to  unite  herself  to  him  by  indissoluble  ties,  in  a 
neighbouring  parish,  before  the  vicar  had  possession  of  the 
facts,  or  the  opportunity  to  dissuade  him  from  so  imprudent 
a  step.  He  immediately  proceeded  to  the  hall,  with  a 
faint  hope  of  appeasing  the  irritated  parent ;  but  his 
endeavours  were  fruitless,  and  the  admiral  poured  forth 
his  anathema  against  his  only  child. 

Edward  now  took  his  wife  to  a  village  some  miles 
distant,  where,  by  their  mutual  exertions,  they  con- 
trived for  some  time  to  live  upon  their  earnings  ;  but  the 
birth  of  their  first  child,  the  hero  of  this  tale,  and  the 
expenses  attending  her  sickness,  forced  him  at  last  (when 
all  appeals  to  his  father  proved  in  vain)  to  accept  the  high 
bounty  that  was  offered  for  men  to  enter  into  his  Majesty's 
service, — which  he  did  under  the  assumed  name  of  Edward 
Peters. 

Chapter    VI 

disclaim  all  my  paternal  care, 


Propinquity  and  property  of  blood. 

The  barbarous  Scythian, 

Or  he  that  makes  his  generation  messes 

To  gorge  his  appetite,  shall  to  my  bosom 

Be  as  well  neighbour'd,  pitied,  and  relieved, 

As  him. 

Shakespeare. 

In  a  lofty  room,  the  wainscotting  of  which  was  of  dark 
oak,  with  a  high  mantel-piece,  elaborately  carved  in  the 


^6  The  King's  Own 

same  wood,  with  groups  of  dead  game  and  flowers,  and  a 
few  choice  pictures  let  into  the  panels, — upon  an  easy  chair, 
that  once  had  been  splendid  with  morocco  and  gold — sat  a 
man  of  about  fifty  years  of  age  ;  but  his  hair  was  grey, 
and  his  face  was  indented  with  deep  lines  and  furrows* 
He  was  listening  with  impatience  to  the  expostulations  of 
one  who  stood  before  him,  and  shifted  his  position  from 
time  to  time,  when  more  than  usually  annoyed  with  the 
subject.  It  was  Admiral  De  Courcy,  and  the  vicar  of  the 
parish,  who  was  persuading  him  to  be  merciful. 

The  subject  of  this  discourse  was,  however,  dismissed 
by  the  entrance  of  a  servant,  who  presented  to  the  admiral, 
upon  a  large  and  massive  salver,  a  letter,  brought,  as  he 
stated,  by  a  seafaring  man.  The  admiral  lifted  up  his 
glasses  to  examine  the  superscription. — "  From  my  worth- 
less vagabond  of  a  son  ! "  exclaimed  he,  and  he  jerked  the 
letter  into  the  fire  without  breaking  the  seal. 

*'  Surely,  sir,"  rejoined  the  vicar,  "  it  would  be  but 
justice  to  hear  what  he  has  to  offer  in  extenuation  of  a 
fault,  too  severely  punished  already.  He  is  your  only  son, 
sir,  and  why  not  forgive  one  rash  act  ?  Recollect,  sir, 
that  he  is  the  heir  to  this  property,  which,  being  entailed, 
must  of  necessity  devolve  upon  him." 

**  Curses  on  the  bare  thought,"  answered  the  admiral  with 
vehemence.     "  I  hope  to  starve  him  first." 

"  May  the  Almighty  show  more  mercy  to  you,  sir,  when 
you  are  called  to  your  account,  than  you  have  shown  to  an 
imprudent  and  hasty  child.  We  are  told  that  we  are  to 
forgive,  if  we  hope  to  be  forgiven.  Admiral  De  Courcy, 
it  is  my  duty  to  ask  you,  do  you  expect  (and  if  so,  upon 
what  grounds)  to  be  forgiven  yourself  ?  " 

The  admiral  looked  towards  the  window,  and  made  no 
reply. 

The  letter,  which  had  been  thrown  into  the  grate,  was 
not  yet  consumed.  It  had  lit  upon  a  mass  of  not  yet  ignited 
coal,  and  lay  there  blackening  in  the  smoke.  The  vicar 
perceived  it,  and,  walking  to  the  fire-place,  recovered  the 
letter  from  its  perilous  situation. 


The  King's  Own  ^ 

"  If  you  do  not  choose  to  read  it  yourself,  admiral — if  you 
refuse  to  listen  to  the  solicitations  of  an  only  child,  have  you 
any  objection  that  I  should  open  the  letter,  and  be  acquainted 
with  the  present  condition  of  a  young  man,  who,  as  you 
know,  was  always  dear  to  me  ? " 

"  None,  none,"  replied  the  admiral,  sarcastically.  "  You 
may  read  it,  and  keep  it  too,  if  you  please." 

The  vicar,  without  any  answer  to  this  remark,  opened  the 
letter,  which,  as  the  reader  may  probably  imagine,  was  the 
one  written  by  Edward  Peters  on  the  morning  of  his 
execution. 

**  Merciful  Heaven  !  "  exclaimed  the  man  of  religion,  as 
he  sat  down  to  recover  from  the  shock  he  had  received — 
"  Unfortunate  boy  !  " 

The  admiral  turned  round,  astonished  at  the  demeanour 
of  the  clergyman,  and  (it  would  appear)  as  if  his  conscience 
had  pressed  him  hard,  and  that  he  was  fearful  that  his 
cruel  wish,  expressed  but  a  few  minutes  before,  had  been 
realised.  He  turned  pale,  but  asked  no  questions.  After 
a  short  time,  the  vicar  rose,  and,  with  a  countenance  of 
more  indignation  than  the  admiral  or  others  had  ever  seen, 
thus  addressed  him  : — 

"  The  time  may  come,  sir, — nay,  I  prophesy  that  it  ivill 
come,  when  the  contents  of  this  letter  will  cause  you  bitterly 
to  repent  your  cruel  and  unnatural  conduct  to  your  son. 
The  letter  itself,  sir,  I  cannot  entrust  you  with.  In  justice 
to  others,  it  must  not  be  put  into  your  hands ;  and  after 
your  attempt  to  commit  it  to  the  flames,  and  your  observa- 
tion that  I  might  read  and  hep  it  too,  I  feel  justified  in  re- 
taining it.  A  copy  of  it,  if  you  please,  I  will  send  you, 
sir." 

"  I  want  neither  copy  nor  original,  nor  shall  I  read  them 
if  you  send  them,  good  sir,"  answered  the  admiral,  pale 
with  anger. 

**  Fare  you  well,  then,  sir.    May  God  turn  your  heart!" 

So  saying,  the  vicar  left  the  room  with  a  determination 
not  to  enter  it  again.  His  first  inquiry  was  for  the  person 
who  had  brought  the  letter,  and  he  was  informed  that  he 


^8  The  King's  Own 

still  waited  in  the  hall.  It  was  old  Adams,  who  had 
obtained  leave  of  absence  for  a  few  days,  that  he  might 
fulfil  the  last  request  of  Peters.  The  clergyman  here 
received  a  second  shock,  from  the  news  of  the  death  of 
poor  Ellen,  and  listened  with  the  deepest  interest  to 
Adams's  straightforward  account  of  the  whole  catastrophe. 
The  first  plan  that  occurred  to  the  vicar  was  to  send  for 
the  child,  and  take  charge  of  him  himself ;  but  this  was 
negatived,  not  only  by  Peters's  letter,  but  also  by  old 
Adams,  who  stated  his  determination  to  retain  the  child 
until  claimed  by  legal  authority.  After  mature  delibera- 
tion, he  considered  that  the  child  would  be  as  much  under 
an  All-seeing  Eye  on  the  water  as  on  the  land,  and  that, 
at  so  early  an  age,  he  v/as  probably  as  well  under  the 
charge  of  a  trustworthy  old  man  like  Adams,  as  he  would  be 
elsewhere.  He  therefore  requested  Adams  to  let  him 
have  constant  accounts  of  the  boy's  welfare,  and  to  apply 
to  him  for  any  funds  that  he  might  require  for  his  main- 
tenance ;  and,  wishing  the  old  man  farewell,  he  set  off  for 
the  vicarage,  communing  with  himself  as  to  the  propriety 
of  keeping  the  circumstance  of  the  boy's  birth  a  secret,  or 
divulging  it  to  his  grandfather,  in  the  hopes  of  eventually 
inducing  him  to  acknowledge  and  to  protect  him. 


Chapter  VII 

To  the  seas  presentlye  went  our  lord  admiral, 

With  knights  couragious,  and  captains  full  good ; 

The  brave  Earl  of  Essex,  a  prosperous  general, 
With  him  prepared  to  pass  the  salt  flood. 

At  Plymouth  speedilye  took  they  ship  valiantlye, 

Braver  ships  never  were  seen  under  sayle, 
With  their  fair  colours  spread,  and  streamers  o'er  their  head 

Now,  bragging  foemen,  take  heed  of  your  tayle. 

Old  Ballad,  1596. 

Many  and  various  were  the  questions  that  were  put  by  our 
little  hero  to  Adams  and  others,  relative  to  the  fate  of  his 


The  King's  Own  39 

parents.  That  they  were  both  dead  was  all  the  informa- 
tion that  he  could  obtain ;  for,  to  the  honour  of  human 
nature,  there  was  not  one  man  in  a  ship's  company  com- 
posed of  several  hundred,  who  had  the  cruelty  to  tell  the 
child  that  his  father  had  been  hanged.  It  may,  at  first, 
appear  strange  to  the  reader,  that  the  child  himself  was  not 
aware  of  the  fact,  from  what  he  had  witnessed  on  the 
morning  of  execution ;  but  it  must  be  recollected  that  he 
had  never  seen  an  execution  before,  and  had  therefore 
nothing  from  which  to  draw  such  an  inference.  All  he 
knew  was,  that  his  father  was  on  the  quarter-deck,  with  a 
night-cap  on,  and  that  he  told  him  that  he  was  going  to  sleep. 
The  death  of  his  mother,  whose  body  he  was  not  permitted 
to  see,  was  quite  as  unintelhgible,  and  the  mystery  which 
enveloped  the  whole  transaction  added  no  little  to  the 
bereavement  of  the  child,  who,  as  I  have  before  stated, 
from  his  natural  talent  and  peculiar  education,  was  far 
more  reflective  and  advanced  than  children  usually  are. 

Adams  returned  to  his  little  charge  with  pleasure :  he 
had  now  a  right  to  adopt  the  child,  and  consider  him  as 
his  own.  In  the  ship,  the  boy  was  such  an  object  of 
general  sympathy,  that  not  only  many  of  the  men,  but 
some  of  the  officers,  would  gladly  have  taken  him,  and 
have  brought  him  up.  The  name  of  his  father  was,  by 
general  consent,  never  mentioned,  especially  as  Adams 
informed  the  officers  and  men  that  Peters  had  been  a 
^^ purser's  name,^^  adopted  by  the  child's  father,  and  that, 
although  the  clergyman  had  stated  this,  he  had  not  en- 
trusted him  with  the  real  name  that  the  child  was  entitled 
to  bear.  As,  therefore,  our  little  hero  was  not  only  with- 
out parents,  but  without  name,  he  was  rechristened  by 
Adams  by  the  cognomen  of  the  **  King's  Own,"  and  by 
that  title,  or  his  christian  name,  Willy,  was  ever  after- 
wards addressed,  both  by  officers  and  men. 

There  is  an  elasticity  supplied  to  the  human  mind  by 
unerring  Wisdom,  that  enables  us,  however  broken  down 
by  the  pressure  of  misfortune,  to  recover  our  cheerfulness 
after   a   while,  and   resign   ourselves    to   the    decrees   of 


40  The  King's  Own 

Heaven.  It  consoles  the  widow — it  supports  the  bereaved 
lover,  who  had  long  dwelt  upon  anticipated  bliss — it 
almost  reconciles  to  her  lot  the  fond  and  forsaken  girl, 
whose  heart  is  breaking. 

Unusually  oppressed  as  Willy  was,  with  the  loss  of 
those  to  whom  he  had  so  fondly  clung  from  his  birth,  in 
a  few  months  he  recovered  his  wonted  spirits,  and  his 
cheeks  again  played  with  dimples,  as  his  flashing  eye 
beamed  from  under  his  long  eyelashes.  He  attached  him- 
self to  the  old  quarter-master,  and  seldom  quitted  him — 
he  slept  in  his  hammock,  he  stood  by  his  side  when  he 
was  on  deck,  at  his  duty,  steering  the  ship,  and  he  listened 
to  the  stories  of  the  good  old  man,  who  soon  taught  him 
to  read  and  write.  For  three  years  thus  passed  his  life,  at  the 
end  of  which  period  he  had  arrived  at  the  age  of  nine  years. 

After  a  long  monotony  of  blockade  service,  the  ship  was 
ordered  to  hoist  the  flag  of  a  commodore,  who  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  command  of  an  expedition  against  the 
western  coast  of  France,  to  create  a  diversion  in  favour  of 

the  Vendean  chiefs.     Captain  A ,  whether  it  was  that 

he  did  not  like  to  receive  a  superior  officer  on  board  of  his 
ship,  or  that  he  did  not  admire  the  service  upon  which  she 
was  to  be  employed,  obtained  permission  to  leave  his  ship 
for  a  few  months,  for  the  restoration  of  his  health,  to  the 
great  joy  of  the  officers  and  crew  ;  and  an  acting  captain, 
of  well-known  merit,  was  appointed  in  his  stead. 

The  squadron  of  men-of-war  and  transports  was 
collected,  the  commodore's  flag  hoisted,  and  the  expedi- 
tion sailed  with  most  secret  orders,  which,  as  usual,  were  as 
well  known  to  the  enemy,  and  everybody  in  England,  as 
they  were  to  those  by  whom  they  were  given.  It  is  the 
characteristic  of  our  nation,  that  we  scorn  to  take  any 
unfair  advantage,  or  reap  any  benefit,  by  keeping  our  in- 
tentions a  secret.  "We  imitate  the  conduct  of  that  English 
tar,  who,  having  entered  a  fort,  and  meeting  a  Spanish 
officer  without  his  sword,  being  providently  supplied  with 
two  cutlasses  himself,  immediately  offered  him  one,  that 
they  might  engage  on  fair  terms. 


The  King's  Own  41 

The  idea  is  generous,  but  not  wise.  But  I  rather 
imagine  that  this  want  of  secrecy  arises  from  all  matters 
of  importance  being  arranged  by  cabinet  councils.  In  the 
multitude  of  councillors  there  may  be  wisdom,  but  there 
certainly  is  not  secrecy.  Twenty  men  have  probably 
twenty  wives,  and  it  is  therefore  twenty  to  one  but  the 
secret  transpires  through  that  channel.  Further,  twenty 
men  have  twenty  tongues  ;  and,  much  as  we  complain  of 
women  not  keeping  secrets,  I  suspect  that  men  deserve  the 
odium  of  the  charge  quite  as  much,  if  not  more,  than 
women  do.  On  the  whole,  it  is  forty  to  one  against 
secrecy,  which,  it  must  be  acknowledged,  are  long  odds. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  squadron  at  the  point  of  attack, 
a  few  more  days  were  thrown  away, — probably  upon  the 
same  generous  principle  of  allowing  the  enemy  sufficient 
time  for  preparation.  Troops  had  been  embarked,  with  the 
intention  of  landing  them,  to  make  a  simultaneous  attack 
with  the  shipping.  Combined  expeditions  are  invariably 
attended  with  delay,  if  not  with  disagreement.  An  officer 
commanding  troops,  who,  if  once  landed,  would  be  as 
decided  in  his  movements  as  Lord  Wellington  himself, 
does  not  display  the  same  decision  when  out  of  his 
own  element.  From  his  peculiar  situation  on  board, — his 
officers  and  men  distributed  in  different  ships, — the 
apparent  difficulties  of  debarkation,  easily  remedied,  and 
despised  by  sailors,  but  magnified  by  landsmen, — from  the 
great  responsibility  naturally  felt  in  a  situation  where  he 
must  trust  to  the  resources  of  others,  and  where  his  own, 
however  great,  cannot  be  called  into  action, — he  will  not 
decide  without  much  demur  upon  the  steps  to  be  taken ; 
although  it  generally  happens,  that  the  advice  originally 
offered  by  the  naval  commandant  has  been  acceded  to. 
Unless  the  military  force  required  is  very  large,  marines 
should  invariably  be  employed,  and  placed  under  the 
direction  of  the  naval  commander. 

After  three  or  four  days  of  pros  and  cons^  the  enemy  had 
completed  his  last  battery,  and  as  there  was  then  no 
rational  excuse  left  for  longer  delay,  the  debarkation  took 


42  The  King's  Own 

place,  without  any  serious  loss  on  our  side,  except  that 

of  one  launch,  full  of  the regiment,  which  was  cut  in 

halves  by  the  enemy's  shot.  The  soldiers,  as  they  sank  in 
the  water,  obeyed  the  orders  of  the  sergeant,  and  held  up 
their  cartouch-boxes,  that  they  might  not  be  wetted  two 
seconds  sooner  than  necessary, — held  fast  their  muskets, 
— and,  without  stirring  from  the  gunnels  of  the  boat, 
round  which  they  had  been  stationed,  went  down  in  as 
good  order  as  could  be  expected,  each  man  at  his  post, 
with  his  bayonet  fixed.  The  sailors,  not  being  either  so 
heavily  caparisoned  or  so  well  drilled,  were  guilty  of  a 
sauve  qui  pent,  and  were  picked  up  by  other  boats.  The 
officer  of  the  regiment  stuck  to  his  men,  and  it  is  to  be 
hoped  that  he  marched  the  whole  of  his  brave  detachment 
to  heaven,  as  he  often  had  before  to  church.  But  we  must 
leave  the  troops  to  form  on  the  beach  as  well  as  they  can, 
and  the  enemy's  shot  will  permit,  and  retire  on  board. 

The  Commodore's  arrangement  had  been  punctually 
complied  with.  The  ships  that  were  directed  to  cover 
the  landing  of  the  troops,  knocked  down  many  of  the 
enemy,  and  not  a  great  many  more  of  our  own  men.  The 
stations  of  the  other  ships  were  taken  with  a  precision 
deserving  of  the  highest  encomiums ;  and  there  is  no 
doubt,  that,  had  not  the  enemy  had  the  advantage  of 
stone  walls,  they  must  have  had  the  worst  of  it,  and 
would  have  been  well  beaten. 

The  commodore  himself,  of  course,  took  the  post  of 
honour.  Anchored  with  springs  on  his  cables,  he 
alternately  engaged  a  heavy  battery  on  his  starboard 
bows,  a  much  heavier,  backed  by  a  citadel  throwing  shells, 
on  his  beam,  and  a  masked  battery  on  his  quarter,  which 
he  had  not  reckoned  upon.  The  latter  was  rather  annoy- 
ing, and  the  citadel  threw  shells  with  most  disagreeable 
precision.  He  had  almost  as  much  to  do  as  Lord  Exmouth 
at  Algiers,  although  the  result  was  not  so  fortunate. 

A  ship  engaging  at  anchor,  with  very  little  wind,  and 
that  wind  lulled  by  the  percussion  of  the  air  from  the 
report  of  the  guns,  as  it  always  is,  has  the  disadvantage 


The  King's  Own  43 

of  not  being  able  to  disengage  herself  of  the  smoke,  which 
rapidly  accumulates  and  stagnates  as  it  were  between  the 
decks.  Under  these  circumstances  you  repeatedly  hear 
the  order  passed  upon  the  main  and  lower  deck  of  a  line- 
of-battle  ship,  to  point  the  guns  two  points  abaft  the  beam, 
point-blank,  and  so  on.  In  fact,  they  are  as  much  in  the 
dark  as  to  the  external  objects,  as  if  they  were  blind- 
folded ;  and  the  only  comfort  to  be  derived  from  this 
serious  inconvenience,  is,  that  every  man  is  so  isolated 
from  his  neighbour  that  he  is  not  put  in  mind  of  his  own 
danger  by  witnessing  the  death  of  those  around  him,  for 
they  may  fall  three  or  four  feet  from  him  without  his 
perceiving  it : — so  they  continue  to  fire  as  directed,  until 
they  are  either  sent  down  to  the  cock-pit  themselves,  or 
have  a  momentary  respite  from  their  exertions,  when, 
choked  with  smoke  and  gunpowder,  they  go  aft  to  the 
scuttle-butt,  to  remove  their  parching  thirst.  So  much 
for  the  lower  and  main-deck.  We  will  now  ascend  to  the 
quarter-deck,  where  we  shall  find  old  Adams  at  the  conn, 
and  little  Willy  standing  behind  him. 

The  smoke  is  not  so  thick  here,  but  that  you  may  perceive 
the  commodore  on  the  poop,  walking  a  step  or  two  to  star- 
board, and  then  turning  short  round  to  port.  He  is  looking 
anxiously  through  his  glass  at  the  position  of  the  troops, 
who  are  ashore  to  storm  the  batteries,  hoping  to  see  a 
diversion  in  our  favour  made  by  them,  as  the  affair  becomes 
serious.  By  a  singular  coincidence,  the  commandant  of  the 
troops  on  shore  is,  with  his  telescope,  looking  anxiously  at 
the  shipping,  hoping  the  same  thing  from  the  exertions  of 
the  navy.  The  captain  of  marines  lies  dead  upon  the  poop  ; 
both  his  legs  have  been  shot  off  by  a  spent  shot — he  is  left 
there,  as  no  surgeon  can  help  him ;  and  there  are  two 
signal-men  lying  dead  alongside  him. 

On  the  hammock-nettings  of  the  quarter-deck  stands  the 
acting  captain  of  the  ship,  erect,  and  proud  in  bearing,  with 
an  eye  of  defiance  and  scorn  as  he  turns  towards  the  enemy. 
His  advice  was  disregarded ;  but  he  does  his  duty  proudly 
and  cheerfully.     He  is  as  cool  and  unconcerned  as  if  he 


44  The  King's  Own 

were  watching  the  flying-fish  as  they  rise  from  the  bows 
of  the  ship,  when  running  down  the  tropics,  instead  of  the 
enemy's  shot,  as  they  splash  in  the  water  alongside,  or  tear 
open  the  timbers  of  the  vessel,  and  the  bodies  of  his  crew. 
The  men  still  ply  their  half-manned  guns  •,  but  they  are 
exhausted  with  fatigue,  and  the  bloody  deck  proves  that 
many  have  been  dismissed  from  their  duty.  The  first 
lieutenant  is  missing ;  you  will  find  him  in  the  cock-pit — 
they  have  just  finished  taking  up  the  arteries  of  his  right 
arm,  which  has  been  amputated ;  and  the  Scotch  surgeon's 
assistant,  who  for  many  months  bewailed  the  want  of 
practice,  and  who,  for  having  openly  expressed  his  wishes 
on  that  subject,  had  received  a  sound  thrashing  from  the 
exasperated  midshipmen,  is  now  complimenting  the  fainting 
man  upon  the  excellent  stump  that  they  have  made  for  him  : 
while  fifty  others,  dying  or  wounded,  with  as  much  variety 
as  Homer's  heroes,  whose  blood,  trickling  from  them  in 
several  rivulets,  pours  into  one  general  lake  at  the  lowest 
level  of  the  deck,  are  anxiously  waiting  their  turn,  and 
distract  the  purser's  steward  by  their  loud  calls,  in  every 
direction  at  the  same  time,  for  the  tin-pot  of  water,  with 
which  he  is  relieving  their  agonising  thirst. 

A  large  shark  is  under  the  counter  ;  he  is  so  gorged  with 
human  flesh,  that  he  can  scarcely  move  his  tail  in  the  tinged 
water ;  and  he  now  hears  the  sullen  plunges  of  the  bodies, 
as  they  are  launched  through  the  lower-deck  port,  with 
perfect  indifference.  **  Oh !  what  a  glorious  thing's  a 
battle ! " 

But  to  return  to  our  particular  narrative.  As  we  men- 
tioned before,  the  citadel  threw  shells  with  remarkable 
precision,  and  every  man  who  had  been  killed  on  the 
quarter-deck  of  the  commodore's  ship,  towards  which  the 
attention  of  the  enemy  was  particularly  directed,  had  been 
laid  low  by  these  horrible  engines  of  modern  warfare. 
The  action  still  continued,  although  the  fire  on  both  sides 
had  evidently  slackened,  and  the  commodore's  glass  had  at 
several  intervals  been  fruitlessly  directed  towards  the 
troops  on  shore,  when  accident  brought  about  a  change  in 


The  King's  Own  45 

favour  of  our  countrymen.  Through  some  unknown  cause^ 
the  magazine  of  the  enemy's  largest  battery  exploded,  and 
buried  the  fabric  with  its  tenants  in  one  mass  of  ruin.  The 
enemy  were  panic-struck  with  their  misfortune — our  troops 
and  sailors  inspired  with  fresh  courage — and  the  fire  was 
recommenced  with  three  cheers  and  redoubled  vigour. 
The  troops  pushed  on,  and  succeeded  in  taking  possession 
of  the  masked  battery,  which  had  so  long  and  so  effectually 
raked  the  commodore. 

A  few  minutes  after  this  had  occurred,  the  citadel  recom- 
menced its  fire,  and  a  shell,  descending  with  that  terrific 
hissing  peculiar  to  itself  alone,  struck  the  main-bitts  on  the 
quarter-deck,  and,  rolling  aft,  exploded.  Its  fragments 
scattered  death  around,  and  one  piece  took  the  hat  off  the 
head  of  little  Willy,  who  was  standing  before  Adams,  and 
then  buried  itself  in  the  old  man's  side.  He  staggered 
forward,  and  fell  on  the  coils  of  rope,  near  the  companion- 
hatch,  and  when  the  men  came  to  assist  him  below,  the 
pain  of  moving  was  so  intense,  that  he  requested  to  be  left 
where  he  was,  that  he  might  quietly  breathe  his  last. 

Willy  sat  down  beside  his  old  friend,  holding  his  hand. 
— "  A  little  water,  boy — quick,  quick !  "  It  was  soon  pro- 
cured by  the  active  and  affectionate  child  ;  who,  indifferent 
to  the  scene  around  him,  thought  only  of  administering  to 
the  wants,  and  alleviating  the  misfortune,  of  his  dearest 
friend.  Adams,  after  he  had  drunk,  turned  his  head 
round,  apparently  revived,  and  said,  in  a  low  and  catching 
voice,  as  if  his  powers  were  fast  escaping,  "  Willy,  your 
father's  name  was  not  Peters — I  do  not  know  what  it  was  ^ 
but  there  is  a  person  who  does,  and  who  takes  an  interest 
in  your  welfare — he  lives  in " 

At  this  moment  another  shell  bounded  through  the 
rigging,  and  fell  within  a  few  feet  of  the  spot  where 
Willy  and  old  Adams  were  speaking.  Willy,  who  was 
seated  on  a  coil  of  rope,  supporting  the  head  of  his 
benefactor,  no  sooner  perceived  the  shell  as  it  rolled 
towards  the  side,  with  its  fuse  pouring  out  a  volume 
of  smoke,   than,   recollecting    the  effects   of  the   former 


46  The  King's  Own 

explosion,  rather  than  the  danger  of  the  attempt,  he  ran 
towards  it,  and  not  being  able  to  lift  it,  sank  down  on 
his  knees,  and,  with  astonishing  agility,  succeeded  in 
rolling  it  overboard,  out  of  the  larboard  entering-port, 
to  which  it  was  near.  The  shell  plunged  in  the  water, 
and,  before  it  had  descended  many  feet,  exploded  with 
a  concussion  that  was  communicated  to  the  ship  fore  and 
aft.  Our  hero  then  resumed  his  station  by  the  side  of 
Adams,  who  had  witnessed  what  had  taken  place. 

"  You  have  begun  well,  my  boy,"  said  the  old  man, 
faintly.  "There's  ne'er  a  man  in  the  ship  would  have 
done  it.     Kiss  me,  boy." 

The  child  leaned  over  the  old  man,  and  kissed  his 
cheek,  clammy  with  the  dews  of  death.  Adams  turned 
a  little  on  one  side,  uttered  a  low  groan,  and  expired. 


Chapter    VIII 

Now  dash'd  upon  the  billow, 
Our  opening  timbers  creak, 
Each  fears  a  watery  pillow. 

To  cling  to  slippery  shrouds 
Each  breathless  seaman  crowds, 

As  she  lay 

Till  the  day 
In  the  Bay  of  Biscay  O. 

Sea  Song. 

As  it  will  only  detain  the  narrative,  without  being  at  all 
necessary  for  its  development,  I  shall  not  dwell  upon 
the  results  of  the  engagement,  which  was  soon  after 
decided,  with  very  indifferent  success  on  our  side.  The 
soldiers  were  re-embarked,  the  ships  hauled  out  of  reach 
of  the  enemy's  guns,  and  a  council  of  war  summoned — 
on  which  it  was  agreed,  nem.  con,,  that  no  more  was  to 
be  done.  The  despatches  were  sent  home — they  certainly 
differed  a  little,  but  that  was  of  no  consequence.  The 
sum  total  of  killed  and  wounded  was  excessively  gratifying 


The  King's  Own  47 

to  the  nation,  as  it  proved  that  there  had  been  hard  fighting. 
By-the-bye,  John  Bull  is  rather  annoying  in  this  respect : 
he  imagines  that  no  action  can  be  well  fought  unless  there 
is  a  considerable  loss.  Having  no  other  method  of  judging 
of  the  merits  of  an  action,  he  appreciates  it  according  to 
the  list  of  killed  and  wounded.  A  merchant  in  toto,  he 
computes  the  value  of  an  object  by  what  it  has  cost  him, 
and  imagines  that  what  is  easily  and  cheaply  obtained 
cannot  be  of  much  value.  The  knowledge  of  this  peculiar 
mode  of  reasoning  on  his  part,  has  very  often  induced 
officers  to  put  down  very  trifling  contusions,  such  as  a 
prize-fighter  would  despise,  to  swell  up  the  sum  total 
of  the  loss  to  the  aggregate  of  the  honest  man's  expecta- 
tions. 

To  proceed.  As  usual  in  cases  of  defeat,  a  small 
degree  of  accusation  and  recrimination  took  place.  The 
army  thought  that  the  navy  might  have  beaten  down  stone 
ramparts,  ten  feet  thick ;  and  the  navy  wondered  why 
the  army  had  not  walked  up  the  same  ramparts,  which 
were  thirty  feet  perpendicular.  Some  of  the  ships  accused 
others  of  not  having  had  a  sufficient  number  of  men  killed 
and  wounded ;  and  the  boats'  crews,  whenever  they  met 
on  shore,  fought  each  other  desperately,  as  if  it  were 
absolutely  necessary,  for  the  honour  of  the  country,  that 
more  blood  should  be  spilt.  But  this  only  lasted  three 
weeks,  when  a  more  successful  attempt  made  them  all 
shake  hands,  and  wonder  what  they  had  been  squabbling 
about. 

There  was,  however,  one  circumstance,  which  occurred 
during  the  action,  that  had  not  been  forgotten.  It  had 
been  witnessed  by  the  acting  captain  of  the  ship,  and 
had  been  the  theme  of  much  comment  and  admiration 
among  the  officers  and  men.  This  was  the  daring  feat 
of  our   little   hero,   in    rolling    the   shell    over    the   side. 

Captain  M (the  new  commander)  as  soon  as  his  more 

important  avocations  would  permit,  made  inquiries  among 
the  officers  (being  himself  a  stranger  in  the  ship),  relative 
to  Willy.     His   short   but  melancholy  history  was   soon 


48  The  King's  Own 

told ;  and  the  disconsolate  boy  was  summoned  from  under 
the  half-deck,  where  he  sat  by  the  body  of  Adams,  which, 
with  many  more,  lay  sewed  up  in  its  hammock,  and  covered 
over  with  the  union-jack,  waiting  for  the  evening,  to 
receive  the  rites  of  Christian  burial,  before  being  committed 
to  the  deep. 

Knowing  that  Adams  had  been  his  only  protector,  a 
feeling  of  compassion  for  the  bereaved  and  orphan  boy, 
and  admiration  of  his  early  tokens  of  bravery,  induced 

Captain  M ,  who  never  formed  a  resolution  in  haste, 

or  abandoned  it  if  once  formed,  to  take  the  boy  under 
his  own  protection,  and  to  place  him  as  an  officer  on  that 
quarter-deck  upon  which  he  had  so  distinguished  himself. 
Willy,  in  obedience  to  orders  received,  stood  by  the 
captain,  with  his  hat  in  his  hand. 

"  What  is  your  name,  my  boy  ? "  said  the  captain, 
passing  a  scrutinising  glance  over  his  upright  and  well- 
proportioned  figure. 

''Willy,  sir." 

**  And  what's  your  other  name  ?  " 

"  Kjng's  Own,  sir." 

This  part  of  the  boy's  history  was  now  explained  by  the 
second  lieutenant,  who  was  in  command,  in  consequence 
of  the  first  lieutenant  being  wounded. 

"  He  must  have  a  name,"  replied  the  captain.  "  William 
King's  Own  will  not  do.     Is  he  on  the  books  ?  " 

"  No,  sir,  he  is  not ;  shall  I  put  him  down  as  William 
Jones,  or  William  Smith  ?  " 

"  No,  no,  those  are  too  common.  The  boy  has  neither 
father,  mother,  nor  name,  that  we  know  of:  as  we  may, 
therefore,  have  a  choice  of  the  latter  for  him,  let  it  be  a 
good  one.  I  have  known  a  good  name  make  a  man's 
fortune  with  a  novel-reading  girl.  There  is  a  romance  in 
the  boy's  history  j  let  him  have  a  name  somewhat  romantic 
also." 

"  Ay,  ay,  sir,"  replied  the  lieutenant — "  here,  marine, 
tell  my  boy  to  bring  up  one  of  the  volumes  of  the  novel 
in  my  cabin." 


The  King's  Own  49 

The  book  made  its  appearance  on  the  quarter-deck. 
'^  Perhaps,  sir,  we  may  find  one  here,"  said  the  lieutenant, 
presenting  the  book  to  the  captain. 

The  captain  smiled  as  he  took  the  book.  *'  Let  us  see," 
said  he,  turning  over  the  leaves — "  '  Deiamere  !  '  that's  too 
puppyish.  *  Fortescue  ! '  don't  like  that.  *  Seymour  ! ' 
Yes,  that  will  do.  It's  not  too  fine,  yet  aristocratic  and 
pretty.  Desire  Mr  Hinchen,  the  clerk,  to  enter  him  on 
the  books  as  Mr  William  Seymour,  midshipman.  And 
now,  youngster,  I  will  pay  for  your  outfit,  and  first  year's 
mess  :  after  which  I  hope  your  pay  and  prize-money  will 
be  sufficient  to  enable  you  to  support  yourself.  Be  that 
as  it  may,  as  long  as  you  do  credit  to  my  patronage,  I  shall 
not  forget  you." 

Willy,  with  his  straw  hat  in  one  hand,  and  a  superero- 
gatory touch  of  his  curly  hair  with  the  other,  made  a 
scrape  with  his  left  leg,  after  the  manner  and  custom  of 
seafaring  people — in  short,  he  made  the  best  bow  that  he 
could,  observing  the  receipt  that  had  been  given  him  by 
his  departed  friend  Adams.     D'Egville  might  have  turned 

up  his  nose  at  it ;  but  Captain was  perfectly  satisfied  : 

for,  if  not  an  elegant,  it  certainly  was  a  grateful  bow. 

Our  young  officer  was  not  sent  down  to  mess  in  the 
berth  of  the  midshipmen.  His  kind  and  considerate  captain 
was  aware,  that  a  lad  who  creeps  in  at  the  hawse-holes, 
i.e.,  is  promoted  from  before  the  mast,  was  not  likely  to 
be  favourably  received  in  the  midshipmen's  mess,  especially 
by  that  part  of  the  community  who,  from  their  obscure 
parentage,  would  have  had  least  reason  to  complain.  He 
was  therefore  consigned  to  the  charge  of  the  gunner. 

Sincere  as  were  the  congratulations  of  the  officers  and 
men,  Willy  was  so  much  affected  with  the  loss  of  his  fond 
guardian,  that  he  received  them  with  apathy,  and  listened 
to  the  applause  bestowed  upon  his  courage  with  tears  that 
flowed  from  the  remembrance  of  the  cause  which  had 
stimulated  him  to  the  deed.  At  the  close  of  the  day,  he 
saw  the  body  of  his  old  friend  committed  to  the  deep,  with 
quivering  lips  and  aching  brow, — and,  as  it  plunged  into 

K        I.  D 


50  The  King's  Own 

the  clear  wave,  felt  as  if  he  was  left  alone  in  the  world, 
and  had  no  one  to  love  and  to  cling  to. 

We  do  not  give  children  credit  for  the  feelings  which 
they  possess,  because  they  have  not,  at  their  early  age, 
acquired  the  power  of  language  to  express  them  correctly. 
Treat  a  child  as  you  would  an  equal,  and,  in  a  few  months, 
you  will  find  that  the  reason  of  his  having  until  then 
remained  childish,  was  because  he  had  heretofore  been 
treated  as  a  being  of  inferior  capacity  and  feelings.  True 
it  is,  that  at  an  early  age  the  feelings  of  children  are  called 
forth  by  what  we  consider  as  trifles  ;  but  we  must  recollect, 
in  humility,  that  our  own  pursuits  are  as  vain,  as  trifling, 
and  as  selfish — "  "We  are  but  children  of  a  larger  growth." 

The  squadron  continued  to  hover  on  the  French  coast, 
with  a  view  of  alarming  the  enemy,  and  of  making  a  more 
fortunate  attempt,  if  opportunity  occurred.  Early  in  the 
morning  of  the  fourth  day  after  Willy  had  been  promoted 
to  the  quarter-deck,  a  large  convoy  of  chasse-marees  (small 
coasting  vessels,  lugger-rigged)  were  discovered  rounding 
a  low  point,  not  three  miles  from  the  squadron.  A  general 
signal  to  chase  was  immediately  thrown  out,  and  in  half- 
an-hour  the  English  men-of-war  were  in  the  midst  of  them 
pouring  broadside  after  broadside  upon  the  devoted  vessels, 
whose  sails  were  lowered  in  every  direction,  in  token  of 
submission.  The  English  men-of-war  reminded  you  of  so 
many  hawks,  pouncing  upon  a  flight  of  small  birds  ;  and  the 
vessels,  with  their  lowered  sails  just  flapping  with  the 
breeze,  seemed  like  so  many  victims  of  their  rapacity,  who 
lay  fluttering  on  the  ground,  disabled,  or  paralysed  with 
terror.  Many  escaped  into  shoal  water,  others  ran  ashore, 
some  were  sunk,  and  about  twenty  taken  possession  of  by 
the  ships  of  the  squadron.  They  proved  to  be  part  of  a 
convoy,  laden  with  wine,  and  bound  to  the  Garonne. 

One  of  the  chasse-marees ,  being  a  larger  vessel  than  the 
rest,  and  laden  with  wine  of  a  better  quality,  was  directed 
by  the  commodore  to  be  sent  to  England ;  the  casks  of 
wine  on  board  of  the  others  were  hoisted  into  the  different 
ships,  and  distributed  occasionally  to  the  crews.     Captain 


The  King's  Own  51 

M thought  that  the  departure  of  the  prize  to  England 

would  be  a  favourable  opportunity  to  send  our  hero  to 
receive  his  outfit,  as  he  could  not  well  appear  on  the 
quarter-deck  as  an  officer  without  his  uniform.  He 
therefore  directed  the  master's  mate,  to  whose  charge  the 
prize  was  about  to  be  confided,  to  take  William  with  him, 
and  wrote  to  his  friends  at  Portsmouth,  whither  the  vessel 
was  directed  to  proceed,  to  fit  him  out  with  the  requisite 
articles,  and  send  him  back  by  the  first  ship  that  was 
directed  to  join  the  squadron.  The  prize  was  victualled, 
the  officer  received  his  written  orders,  was  put  on  board 
with  our  hero  and  three  men,  and  parted  company  with 
the  squadron. 

The  master's  mate,  who  was  directed  to  take  the  vessel 
to  Portsmouth,  was  the  spurious  progeny  of  the  first 
lieutenant  of  a  line-of-battle  ship,  and  a  young  woman 
who  attended  the  bumboat,  which  supplied  the  ship's 
company  with  necessaries,  and  luxuries,  if  they  could 
afford  to  pay  for  them.  The  class  of  people  who  obtain 
their  livelihood  by  these  means,  and  who  are  entirely 
dependent  upon  the  navy  for  their  subsistence,  are 
naturally  anxious  to  secure  the  good-will  of  the  command- 
ing officers  of  the  ships,  and  usually  contrive  to  have  on 
their  establishment  a  pretty-looking  girl,  who,  although 
very  reserved  to  the  junior  officers  of  the  ship,  is  all 
smiles  to  the  first  lieutenant,  and  will  not  stand  upon 
trifles  for  the  benefit  of  her  employer.  Beauty  for  men — 
gold  for  women !  Such  are  the  glittering  baits  employed, 
in  this  world,  to  entice  either  sex  from  the  paths  of  duty 
or  discretion. 

The  service  was  indebted  to  this  species  of  bribery  for 
the  officer  in  question.  The  interest  of  his  supposed 
father  was  sufficient  to  put  him  on  the  quarter-deck ;  and 
the  profits  of  his  mother,  who,  having  duly  served  her 
apprenticeship,  had  arrived  to  the  dignity  of  bumboat 
woman  herself,  and  was  a  fat,  comely  matron,  of  about 
forty  years  of  age,  were  more  than  sufficient  to  support 
him   in   his    inferior   rank.       His    education   and   natural 


52  The  King's  Own 

abilities  were  not,  however,  of  that  class  to  procure  him 
either  friends  or  advancement;  and  he  remained  in  the 
capacity  of  master's  mate,  and  was  likely  long  to  continue 
so,  unless  some  such  event  as  a  general  action  should 
include  him  in  a  promotion  which  would  be  regulated  by 
seniority.  He  was  a  mean-looking,  vulgar  little  man, 
with  a  sharp  face  and  nose — the  latter  very  red,  from  the 
constant  potations  of  not  only  his  own  allowance,  but 
of  that  of  every  youngster  in  the  ship  whom  he  could 
bully  or  cajole. 

His  greatest  pride  and  his  constant  study  was  "  slang," 
in  which  he  was  no  mean  proficient.  He  always  carried 
in  his  pocket  a  colt  (i.e.  a  foot  and  a  half  of  rope,  knotted 
at  one  end,  and  whipped  at  the  other,)  for  the  benefit  of 
the  youngsters,  to  whom  he  was  a  most  inordinate  tyrant. 
He  could  fudge  a  day's  work,  which  he  sent  in  with  the 
rest  of  the  midshipmen,  and  which  proofs  of  theoretical 
knowledge  of  their  profession  were  in  those  days  little 
attended  to  ;  but  he  was  very  ignorant,  and  quite  unfit  to 

take  charge  of  any  vessel.     Captain  M ,  who,  as  we 

before  stated,  had  joined  the  ship  as  acting  captain,  and 
had  not  had  time  to  ascertain  the  merits  or  demerits  of 
the  officers,  had  given  the  prize  to  his  charge  because  he 
was  the  senior  mate  of  the  ship. 

The  prize  had  scarcely  trimmed  her  sails  and  shaped 
her  course,  when  Mr  Bullock,  the  master's  mate,  called 
our  hero  to  him,  and  addressed  him  in  the  following 
elegant  phraseology : — 

"Now,  you  rebellious  spawn — touch  your  hat,  you 
young  whelp" — (knocking  off  poor  Willy's  only  hat, 
which  flew  to  leeward,  and  went  overboard) — "mind 
what  I  say,  for  I  mean  to  be  as  good  as  a  father  to  you. 
You're  not  an  officer  yet — and  if  you  were,  it  would  be  all 
the  same — so  no  capers,  no  airs.  You  see  I've  only  three 
men  in  the  vessel  besides  myself;  they  are  in  three  watches  ; 
so  your  duty  will  be  to  attend  to  me  in  the  cabin.  You'll 
mull  my  claret — I  always  drinks  a  noggin  every  half  hour 
to  keep  the  wind  out,  and  if  it  an't  ready  and  an't  good, 


The  King's  Own  ^^ 

— do  you  see  this  ?  " — (taking  the  colt  out  of  his  pocket). 
— **  Stop,  you'd  better  feel  it  at  once,  and  then,  when 
you  knows  what  the  taste  of  it  is,  you'll  take  care  how 
you're  slack  in  stays."  So  saying,  he  administered  three 
or  four  hearty  cuts  on  the  back  and  shoulders  of  our  hero, 
who  had  been  sufficiently  drilled  into  the  manners  and 
customs  of  a  man-of-war,  to  know  the  value  of  the  proverb, 
"  The  least  said,  the  soonest  mended." 

A  spigot  had  been  already  inserted  into  one  of  the  casks 
of  claret  which  were  lashed  on  deck ;  and,  as  the  small 
vessel  was  very  uneasy  in  the  heavy  swell  of  the  Bay  of 
Biscay,  our  hero  had  sufficient  employment  in  watching  the 
pot  of  claret,  and  preventing  it  from  being  upset  by  the 
motion  of  the  vessel,  as  it  was  constantly  heating  on  the 
stove  in  the  cabin.  This  potation  was  regularly  presented 
by  Willy  every  half  hour,  as  directed,  to  his  commanding 
officer,  who,  if  it  was  too  sweet,  or  not  sweet  enough, 
or  if  he  could  not  drink  the  whole,  invariably,  and  much 
to  the  annoyance  of  our  hero,  threw  the  remainder  into 
his  face,  telling  him  that  was  his  share  of  it. 

This  arrangement  continued  in  full  force  for  three  days 
and  three  nights — for  Willy  was  roused  up  five  or  six 
times  every  night  to  administer  the  doses  of  mulled  claret 
which  Mr  Bullock  had  prescribed  for  himself,  who  seemed, 
thin  and  meagre  as  he  was,  to  be  somewhat  like  a  bamboo 
in  his  structure  {i.e,  hollow  from  top  to  bottom),  as  if  to 
enable  him  to  carry  the  quantity  of  fluid  that  he  poured 
down  his  throat  during  the  twenty-four  hours.  As  for 
intoxicating  him,  that  appeared  to  be  impossible;  from 
long  habit,  he  seemed  to  be  like  a  stiff  ship  that  careened 
to  her  bearings,  and  would  sooner  part  company  with  her 
masts  than  heel  any  farther. 

On  the  fourth  day,  a  strong  gale  sprang  up  from  the 
northwest,  and  the  sea  ran  very  high.  The  chasse-inaree, 
never  intended  to  encounter  the  huge  waves  of  the  Bay 
of  Biscay,  but  to  crawl  along  the  coast  and  seek  protection 
from  them  on  the  first  indication  of  their  fury, — labouring 
with  a  heavy  cargo,  not  only  stowed  below,  but  on  the 


54  The  King's  Own 

decks, — was  not  sufficiently  buoyant  to  rise  on  the  summits 
of  the  waves,  which  made  a  clean  breach  over  her,  and 
the  men  became  exhausted  with  the  wet  and  the  in- 
clemency of  the  season.  On  the  third  day  of  the  gale, 
and  seventh  since  they  had  parted  company  with  the 
fleet,  a  squall  brought  the  mainmast  by  the  board;  the 
foresail  was  lowered  to  close-reef,  when  a  heavy  sea 
struck  the  vessel,  and  pouring  a  torrent  over  her  decks, 
swept  overboard  the  three  men  who  were  forward  reefing 
the  sail.  Mr  Bullock,  the  master's  mate,  was  at  the 
helm — ^Willy,  as  usual,  down  below,  attending  the  mulled 
claret,  which  had  been  more  than  ever  in  request  since 
the  bad  weather  had  come  on. 

The  mate  quitted  the  helm,  and  ran  forward  to  throw 
a  rope  to  the  seamen  who  were  struggling  in  the  water 
with  the  wreck  to  leeward.  He  threw  one,  which  was 
seized  by  two  of  them  (the  other  had  sunk) ;  and  as  soon 
as  they  had  hold  of  it,  and  it  became  taut  from  their 
holding  on,  he  perceived  to  his  dismay  that  he  had  stood 
in  the  remaining  part  of  the  coil,  and  that  it  had  encircled 
itself  several  times  round  his  body,  so  that  the  men 
were  hauling  him  overboard.  "Let  go,  let  go,  or  I'm 
overboard  !  "  was  a  useless  exclamation  to  drov/ning  men; 
they  held  on,  and  the  mate  too  held  on  by  the  rigging 
for  his  life, — the  efforts  of  the  drowning  men  dragging 
him  at  last  from  off  his  legs,  and  keeping  his  body  in 
a  horizontal  position,  as  they  hauled  at  his  feet,  and  he 
clung  in  desperation  to  the  lee-shrouds.  "  Willy,  Willy, 
a  knife — quick,  quick  !  "  roared  the  mate  in  his  agony. 
Willy,  who,  hearing  his  name  called,  and  followed  up 
by  the  "  quick,  quick,"  had  no  idea  that  anything  but 
the  mulled  claret  could  demand  such  unusual  haste,  stopped 
a  few  seconds  to  throw  in  the  sugar  and  stir  it  round 
before  he  answered  the  summons.  He  then  started  up 
the  hatchway  with  the  pot  in  his  hand. 

But  these  few  seconds  had  decided  the  fate  of  Mr 
Bullock,  and  as  Willy's  head  appeared  up  the  hatchway, 
so   did   that  of  Mr   Bullock   disappear  as   he   sank  into 


The  King's  Own  55 

a  grave  so  dissonant  to  his  habits.  He  had  been  unable 
to  resist  any  longer  the  united  force  of  the  drowning 
men,  and  Willy  was  just  in  time  to  witness  his  submersion, 
and  find  himself  more  destitute  than  ever.  Holding  on 
by  the  shroud  with  one  hand,  with  the  pot  of  mulled 
claret  in  the  other,  Willy  long  fixed  his  eyes  on  the 
spot  where  his  tyrannical  shipmate  had  disappeared  from 
his  sight,  and,  forgetting  his  persecution,  felt  nothing 
but  sorrow  for  his  loss.  Another  sea,  which  poured  over 
the  decks  of  the  unguided  vessel,  roused  him  from  his 
melancholy  reverie,  and  he  let  go  the  pot,  to  cling  with 
both  hands  to  the  rigging  as  the  water  washed  over  his 
knees, — then,  seizing  a  favourable  opportunity,  he  suc- 
ceeded in  regaining  the  cabin  of  the  vessel,  where  he 
sat  down  and  wept  bitterly  —  bitterly  for  the  loss  of 
the  master's  mate  and  men,  for  he  had  an  affectionate 
and  kind  heart — bitterly  for  his  own  forlorn  and  destitute 
situation.  Old  Adams  had  not  forgotten  to  teach  him 
to  say  his  prayers,  and  Willy  had  been  accustomed  to 
read  the  Bible,  which  the  old  man  explained  to  the  best 
of  his  ability.  The  vessel  laboured  and  groaned  as  she 
was  buffeted  by  the  waves — the  wind  howled,  and  the 
sea  struck  her  trembling  sides  and  poured  over  her  decks. 
In  the  midst  of  this  wild  discord  of  the  elements,  the 
small  voice  of  the  kneeling  child,  isolated  from  the  rest 
of  the  world,  and  threatened  soon  to  be  removed  from 
it,  was  not  unheard  or  unheeded  by  an  omniscient  and 
omnipotent  God,  who  has  said  that  not  a  sparrow  should 
fall  to  the  ground  without  his  knowledge,  and  has 
pointed  out  of  how  much  more  value  are  we  than  many 
sparrows. 

Willy  ended  his  devotions  and  his  tears ;  and,  feeling 
wet  and  cold,  recollected  that  what  would  warm  his 
departed  friend  the  mate,  would  probably  have  the  same 
effect  upon  him.  He  crawled  up  the  companion-hatch 
with  another  tin-pot,  and  having  succeeded  in  obtaining 
some  wine  from  the  cask,  returned  to  the  cabin.  Having 
warmed  it  over  the  fire,  and  sugared  it  according  to  the 


^6  The  King's  Own 

well-practised  receipt  of  Mr  Bullock,  he  drank  more  of 
it  than,  perhaps,  in  any  other  situation,  he  would  have 
done,  and  lying  down  in  the  standing  bed-place  at  the 
side  of  the  cabin,  soon  fell  into  a  sound  sleep. 

Chapter  IX 

And  there  he  went  ashore  without  delay, 
Having  no  custom-house  nor  quarantine 

To  ask  him  awkward  questions  on  the  way, 
About  the  time  and  place  where  he  had  been : 

He  left  his  ship  to  be  hove  down  next  day. 

Don  Juan, 

The  prize  vessel,  at  the  time  when  she  carried  away  her 
masts,  had  gained  considerably  to  the  northward  of  Ushant, 
although  the  master's  mate,  from  his  ignorance  of  his  pro- 
fession, was  not  aware  of  the  fact.  The  wind,  which  now 
blew  strongly  from  the  N.W.,  drove  the  shattered  bark  up 
the  Channel,  at  the  same  time  gradually  nearing  her  to  the 
French  coast.  After  twenty-four  hours'  driving  before  the 
storm,  during  which  Willy  never  once  awoke  from  his 
torpor,  the  vessel  was  not  many  leagues  from  the  port  of 
Cherbourg.  It  was  broad  daylight  when  our  hero  awoke ; 
and,  after  some  little  time  necessary  to  chase  away  the 
vivid  effects  of  a  dream,  in  which  he  fancied  himself  to  be 
on  shore,  walking  in  the  fields  with  his  dear  mother,  he 
recollected  where  he  was,  and  how  he  was  situated.  He 
ascended  the  companion-ladder,  and  looked  around  him. 
The  wind  had  nearly  spent  its  fury,  and  was  subsiding 
fast  •,  but  the  prospect  was  cheerless — a  dark  wintry  sky 
and  rolling  sea,  and  nothing  living  in  view  except  the  sea- 
bird  that  screamed  as  it  skimmed  over  the  white  tops  of 
the  waves.  The  mizen  of  the  vessel  was  still  hoisted  up, 
but  the  sheet  had  disengaged  itself  from  the  belaying-pin, 
and  the  sail  had  been  rent  from  the  bolt-rope  by  the  storm. 
Part  of  it  was  blown  away,  and  the  rest,  jagged  and 
tattered  at  its  extremities,  from  constant  buffeting,  flapped 
**  mournfully  to  and  fro"  with  the  heavy  rolling  of  the 
vessel. 


The  King's  Own  ^y 

Willy,  holding  on  by  the  companion-hatch,  scanned  the 
horizon  in  every  point  of  the  compass,  in  hopes  of  succour, 
but  for  a  long  while  in  vain.  At  last  his  keen  eye 
detected  a  small  vessel,  under  a  single  close-reefed  sail, 
now  rising  on  the  tops  of  the  waves,  now  disappearing  in 
the  deep  trough  of  the  sea.  She  was  sloop-rigged,  and 
running  down  towards  him. 

In  a  quarter  of  an  hour  she  had  neared  to  within  a  mile, 
and  Willy  perceived,  with  delight,  that  the  people  were 
on  deck,  and  occasionally  pointing  towards  him.  Hs  ran 
down  below,  and  opening  the  chest  of  Mr  Bullock,  which 
was  not  locked,  took  a  liberty  which  he  would  never  have 
dared  to  contemplate  during  that  worthy  officer's  lifetime, 
viz.,  that  of  pulling  forth  one  of  his  two  best  white  shirts, 
reserved  for  special  occasions.  This  he  took  on  deck, 
made  it  fast  to  a  boat-hook  staff,  and  hoisted  as  a  signal  of 
distress.  He  did  also  mechanically  lift  his  hand  to  his 
head  with  the  intention  of  waving  his  hat,  but  he  was 
reminded,  by  not  finding  it  there,  that  it  had  been  the  first 
votive  offering  which  had  been  made  to  appease  the  im- 
placable deities  presiding  over  the  winds  and  waves.  The 
vessel  closed  with  him,  hove-to  to  windward,  and,  after 
some  demur,  a  small  boat,  capable  of  holding  three  persons, 
was  hoisted  over  the  gunnel,  and  two  hands,  jumping  into 
her,  rowed  under  the  stern  of  the  wreck. 

**  You  must  jump,  my  lad — there's  no  going  alongside  a 
craft,  without  any  sail  to  steady  her,  in  such  a  sea  as  this. 
Don't  be  afraid.     We'll  pick  you  up." 

Willy,  who  had  little  fear  in  his  composition,  although 
he  could  not  swim,  leaped  from  the  taffrail  of  the  vessel 
into  the  boiling  surge,  and  immediately  that  he  rose  to  the 
surface  was  rescued  by  the  men,  who,  seizing  him  by  the 
waistband  of  the  trousers,  hauled  him  into  the  boat,  and 
threw  him  down  in  the  bottom  under  the  thwarts.  Then, 
without  speaking,  they  resumed  their  oars,  and  pulled  to 
the  other  vessel,  on  board  of  which  they  succeeded  in  estab- 
lishing our  hero  and  themselves,  although  the  boat  was 
stove  in  the  attempt,  and  cast  adrift  as  useless. 


SS  The  King's  Own 

Willy's  teeth  chattered,  and  his  whole  frame  trembled 
with  the  cold,  as  he  went  aft  to  the  captain  of  the  sloop, 
who  was  sitting  on  deck  wrapped  up  in  a  rough  white 
great-coat,  with  his  pipe  in  his  mouth.  The  captain  was  a 
middle-sized,  slightly  made  young  man,  apparently  not 
more  than  twenty-five  years  old.  His  face  was  oval,  with 
a  remarkably  pleasing  expression  ;  his  eye  small  and 
brilliant ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  roughness  of  his  out- 
ward attire,  there  was  a  degree  of  precision  in  the  arrange- 
ment of  his  hair  and  whiskers,  which  proved  that  with  him 
neatness  was  habitual.  He  had  a  worsted  mitten  on  his 
left  hand ;  the  right,  which  held  his  pipe,  was  bare,  and 
remarkably  white  and  small.  Perceiving  the  situation  of 
the  boy,  he  called  to  one  of  the  men — "  Here,  Phillips, 
take  this  poor  devil  down,  and  put  something  dry  on  him, 
and  give  him  a  glass  of  brandy ;  when  he's  all  right 
again,  we'll  find  out  from  him  how  he  happened  to  be 
adrift  all  by  himself,  like  a  bear  in  a  washing-tub.  There, 
go  along  with  Phillips,  boy." 

"  He's  of  the  right  sort,"  said  one  of  the  men  who  had 
brought  him  on  board,  casting  his  eyes  in  the  direction  of 
our  hero,  who  was  descending  the  companion; — "I 
thought  so  when  I  see'd  him  have  his  wits  about  him  to 
hoist  the  signal.  He  made  no  more  of  jumping  overboard 
than  a  Newfoundland  dog — never  stopped  two  seconds  to 
think  on't." 

"  "We  shall  soon  see  what  he  is  made  of,"  replied  the 
captain,  relighting  his  pipe,  which  had  been  allowed  to  go 
out  during  the  time  that  they  were  rescuing  Willy  and  the 
men  from  the  boat  when  she  returned. 

Willy  was  soon  provided  with  more  comfortable  clothing ; 
and,  whether  it  was  or  was  not  from  a  whim  of  Phillips's, 
who  had  been  commissioned  to  rig  him  out,  he  appeared  on 
deck  the  very  picture  of  the  animal  which  he  had  been 
compared  to  by  the  sailor.  Thick  woollen  stockings, 
which  were  longer  than  both  his  legs  and  thighs,  a  pair  of 
fisherman's  well-greased  boots,  a  dark  Guernsey  frock  that 
reached  below  his  knees,  and  a  rough  pea-jacket  that  de- 


The  King's  Own  59 

scended  to  his  heels,  made  him  appear  much  broader  than 
he  was  high.  A  red  woollen  night-cap  completed  his  attire, 
which,  although  anything  but  elegant,  was  admirably 
calculated  to  assist  the  brandy  in  restoring  the  circulation. 

"Here  he  is,  captain,  all  a-tantOy  but  not  very  neat," 
said  Phillips,  shoving  "Willy  up  the  hatchway,  for  he  was 
so  encumbered  with  the  weight  of  his  new  apparel  that  he 
never  could  have  ascended  without  assistance — "  I  have 
stowed  away  some  spirits  in  his  hold,  and  he  no  longer 
beats  the  devil's  tattoo  with  his  grinders." 

"  Now,  my  lad,"  said  the  captain,  taking  his  pipe  out  of 
his  mouth,  *'  tell  me  what's  your  name,  what  you  are,  and 
how  you  came  to  be  adrift  in  that  barky  ?  Tell  me  the 
truth — be  honest,  always  be  honest,  it's  the  best  policy." 

Now,  it  rather  unfortunately  happened  for  Willy,  that 
these  first  two  questions  were  rather  difficult  for  him  to 
answer.  He  told  his  story  with  considerable  hesitation, — 
believed  his  name  was  Seymour — believed  he  was  a  midship- 
man. He  was  listened  to  without  interruption  by  the 
captain  and  crew  of  the  vessel,  who  had  gathered  round  to 
hear  him  "  spin  his  yarn."  When  he  had  finished,  the 
captain,  looking  Willy  very  hard  in  the  face,  thus  addressed 
him: — **My  little  friend,  excuse  me,  but  I  have  some 
slight  knowledge  of  the  world,  and  I  therefore  wish  that 
you  had  not  forgotten  the  little  advice  I  gave  you,  as 
a  caution,  before  you  commenced  your  narrative.  Did  not 
I  say,  be  honest  ?  You  believe  you  are  an  officer,  believe  your 
name  to  be  Seymour.  I  tell  you,  my  lad,  in  return,  that  I 
don't  believe  a  word  that  you  say  ;  but,  however,  that's  of 
no  consequence.  It  requires  reflection  to  tell  a  lie,  and  I 
have  no  objection  to  a  little  invention,  or  a  little  caution 
with  strangers.  All  that  about  the  battle  was  very  clever 
— but  still,  depend  upon  it,  honesty's  the  best  policy. 
When  we  are  better  acquainted,  I  suppose  we  shall  have 
the  truth  from  you.  I  see  the  land  on  the  lee-bow — we 
shall  be  into  Cherbourg  in  an  hour,  when  I  expect  we 
shall  come  to  a  better  understanding." 

The  Sainte  Fierge,  for  such  was  the  name  of  the  vessel, 


6o  The  King's  Own 

which  smelt  most  insufferably  of  gin,  and,  as  our  readers 
may  probably  have  anticipated,  was  a  smuggler,  running 
between  Cherbourg  and  the  English  coast,  soon  entered 
the  port,  and,  having  been  boarded  by  the  officers  of  the 
douane  (who  made  a  very  proper  distinction  between 
smuggling  from  and  to  their  own  territories),  came  to  an 
anchor  close  to  the  mole.  As  soon  as  the  vessel  was 
secured,  the  captain  went  below,  and  in  a  few  minutes  re- 
appearing, dressed  in  much  better  taste  than  one-half  of  the 
saunterers  in  Bond  Street,  went  on  shore  to  the  cabaret 
where  he  usually  took  up  his  quarters,  taking  with  him 
our  hero,  whose  strange  attire,  so  peculiarly  contrasted 
with  that  of  the  captain's,  was  a  source  of  great  amusement 
to  the  sailors  and  other  people,  who  were  assembled  on 
the  quay. 

^^  Ah,  mon  capitaine,  char  me  de  vous  revoir,  Buvons  un 
coup,  n^est-ce  pas?"  said  the  proprietor  of  the  cabaret, 
presenting  a  bottle  of  prime  French  brandy,  and  a  liquor 
glass,  to  the  captain,  as  he  entered. 

*'  Heureux  voyage,  tiest'-ce  pas.  Monsieur?" 

'^  Ca  va  hien"  replied  the  captain,  throwing  the  glass  of 
liquor  down  his  throat.  "  My  apartments,  if  you  please, 
and  a  bed  for  this  lad.  Tell  Mr  Beaujou,  the  slopseller, 
to  come  here  directly  with  some  clothes  for  him.  Is 
Captain  Debriseau  here  ? " 

"  He  is,  sir, — lost  all  his  last  cargo — obliged  to  throw 
over  in  deep  water." 

**  Never  mind  :  he  ran  the  two  before — he  can  afford  it." 

"  Ah,  but  Captain  Debriseau  is  in  a  very  bad  humour, 
nevertheless.  He  called  me  an  old  cheat  this  morning — 
£est  incroyable," 

"  Well,  present  my  compliments  to  him,  and  say  that  I 
request  the  honour  of  his  company,  if  he  is  not  otherwise 
engaged.     Come,  youngster." 

The  landlord  of  the  cabaret  ushered  the  captain  of  the 
sloop  and  our  hero,  with  many  profound  bows,  into  a  low 
dark  room,  with  only  one  window,  the  light  from  which 
was  intercepted  by  a  high  wall,  not  four  feet  distant.     The 


The  King's  Own  61 

floor  was  paved  with  tiles,  the  table  was  deal,  not  very 
clean,  and  the  white-washed  walls  were  hung  around  with 
stiff  drawings  of  several  smuggling  vessels,  whose  superior 
sailing  and  consequent  good  fortune  had  rendered  them 
celebrated  in  the  port  of  Cherbourg.  The  straw  had  been 
lighted  under  some  logs  of  wood  on  the  hearth,  which  as 
yet  emitted  more  smoke  than  flame ;  a  few  chairs,  an  old 
battered  sofa,  and  an  upright  press,  completed  the 
furniture. 

"  I  knew  your  beautiful  sloop  long  before  she  came  in — 
there's  no  mistaking  her ;  and  I  ordered  the  apartment  de 
Monsieur  to  be  prepared.  C^est  unjoli  appartement ,  riest-ce 
pas.  Monsieur  ?  so  retired  !  "  With  some  forbearance,  but 
with  great  judgment,  the  beauty  of  the  prospect  was  not 
expatiated  upon  by  the  obsequious  landlord. 

**  It  will  do  to  smoke  and  eat  in,  Mons.  Picardon,  and 
that  is  all  that  I  require.  Now  bring  pipes  and  tobacco, 
and  take  my  message  to  Captain  Debriseau." 

The  latter  gentleman  and  the  pipes  were  ushered  in  at 
the  same  moment. 

**  M*Elvina,  my  dear  fellow,  I  am  glad  to  see  that  you  have 
had  better  luck  than  I  have  had  this  last  trip.  Curses  on 
the  cutter,  Sacristie,''^  continued  Captain  Debriseau,  who 
was  a  native  of  Guernsey,  "  the  wind  favoured  her  three 
points  after  we  were  about,  or  I  should  have  doubled  him 
— ay,  and  have  doubled  the  weight  of  the  leathern  bag  too. 
Sacre  nom  de  Dieu,^^  continued  he,  grinding  his  teeth,  and 
pulling  a  handful  of  hair  out  of  his  rough  head,  which  could 
have  spared  as  much  as  Absalom  used  to  pull — "  Que  ga  me 
fait  hisquerP 

"  Bah  I  laissez  alter,  mon  ami — sit  down  and  take  a  pipe," 
rejoined  our  captain.  "  This  is  but  pettifogging  work  at 
the  best  5  it  won't  pay  for  the  means  of  resistance.  My 
lugger  will  be  ready  in  May,  and  then  I'll  see  what  a 
revenue  cutter  is  made  of.  I  was  at  Ostend  last  Christmas, 
and  saw  her.  By  Jove,  she's  a  beauty  !  She  was  planked 
above  the  watermark  then,  and  must  be  nearly  ready  for 
launching  by  this  time.     I'll  pass  through  the  Race  but 


62  The  King's  Own 

once  more  5  then  adieu  to  dark  nights  and  south-west  gales 
— and  huzza  for  a  row  of  teeth,  with  the  will,  as  well  as 
the  power,  to  bite.     Sixteen  long  nines,  my  boy  !  " 

"  Quick  returns  though,  quick  returns,  messmate," 
answered  Debriseau,  referring  to  the  Cherbourg  system  of 
smuggling,  which,  being  his  own  means  of  livelihood,  he 
did  not  like  to  hear  disparaged. 

For  the  benefit  of  those  who  have  no  objection  to  unite 
a  little  information  with  amusement,  I  shall  here  enter  into 
a  few  remarks  relative  to  the  smuggling  carried  on  between 
the  port  of  Cherbourg  and  our  own  coast, — premising  that 
my  readers  have  my  entire  approbation  to  skip  over  a  page 
or  two,  if  they  are  not  anxious  to  know  anything  about  these 
nefarious  transactions. 

The  port  of  Cherbourg,  from  its  central  situation,  is 
better  adapted  than  any  other  in  France,  for  carrying  on 
this  trade  with  the  southern  coast  of  England.  The  nearest 
port  to  it,  and  at  which,  therefore,  the  smuggling  is 
principally  carried  on,  is  the  Bill  of  Portland,  near  to  the 
fashionable  watering-place  of  Weymouth. 

The  vessels  employed  in  this  contraband  trade,  of  which 
gin  is  the  staple  commodity,  are  generally  small  luggers  or 
sloops,  from  forty  to  sixty  tons  burthen.  In  fine  summer 
weather,  row-boats  are  occasionally  employed  ;  but  as  the 
run  is  only  of  twenty-four  hours'  duration,  the  dark  nights 
and  south-west  gales  are  what  are  chiefly  depended  upon. 

These  vessels  are  not  armed  with  an  intention  to  resist ; 
if  they  are  perceived  by  the  cruisers  or  revenue  vessels 
before  they  arrive  on  the  EngHsh  coast,  and  are  pursued, 
they  are  obliged  (if  not  able  to  escape,  from  superior  sailing) 
to  throw  over  their  cargo  in  "  deep  water,"  and  it  is  lost. 
The  cargo  is  thrown  overboard,  to  avoid  the  penalty  and 
imprisonment  to  which  it  would  subject  the  crew,  as  well 
as  the  confiscation  of  the  vessel  and  cargo.  If  they  reach 
the  English  coast,  and  are  chased  by  the  revenue  vessels, 
or  have  notice,  by  signals  from  their  agents  on  shore,  that 
they  are  discovered,  and  cannot  land  their  cargoes,  they 
take  the  exact  bearings  and  distances  of  several  points  of 


The  King's  Own  63 

land,  and  with  heavy  stones  sink  their  tubs  of  spirits, 
which  are  always  strung  upon  a  hawser  like  a  row  of  beads. 
There  the  cargo  is  left,  until  they  have  an  opportunity  of 
going  off  in  boats  to  creep  for  it,  which  is  by  dragging  large 
hooks  at  the  bottom  until  they  catch  the  hawsers,  and  regain 
possession  of  their  tubs.  Such  is  the  precision  with  which 
their  marks  are  taken,  and  their  dexterity  from  continual 
practice,  that  they  seldom  fail  to  recover  their  cargo.  The 
profits  of  this  contraband  trade  are  so  great,  that  if  two 
cargoes  are  lost  a  third  safely  landed  will  indemnify  the 
owners. 

I  must  now  observe,  much  to  the  discredit  of  the  parties 
who  are  concerned,  that  this  contraband  trade  is  not  carried 
on  by  individuals,  but  by  a  company ;  one  hundred  pound 
shares  are  taken  of  "  ^  speculation^''  the  profits  of  which  are 
divided  yearly  :  and  many  individuals  residing  on  the  coast, 
who  would  be  thought  incapable  of  lending  themselves  to 
such  transactions,  are  known  to  be  deeply  interested. 

The  smuggling  from  Havre  and  Ostend,  etc.,  is  confined 
to  the  coast  of  Ireland  and  the  northern  shores  of  England ; 
the  cargoes  are  assorted  and  of  great  value ;  and  as  the 
voyage  and  risk  are  greater,  they  are  generally  fast-sailing 
vessels,  well  manned  and  armed,  to  enable  them  to  offer 
resistance,  when  the  disparity  of  force  is  not  too  great  on 
their  side. 

Captain  M^Elvina  had  taken  up  the  smuggling  trade 
between  Cherbourg  and  Portland  to  keep  himself  employed 
until  a  fine  lugger  of  sixteen  guns,  the  command  of  which 
had  been  promised  to  him,  and  which  was  intended  to  run 
between  Havre  and  the  coast  of  Ireland,  should  be  ready ; 
whereas  Captain  Debriseau  had  been  all  his  life  employed  in 
the  Cherbourg  trade,  and  had  no  intention  of  quitting  it. 

**  But  what  have  you  got  there,  Mac  ?  "  said  Debriseau, 
pointing  with  his  pipe  to  our  hero,  who  sat  on  the  leathern 
sofa,  rolled  up  in  his  uncouth  attire ;  "  is  it  a  bear,  or  a 
boy  ? " 

'*  A  boy,  that  I  picked  up  from  a  wreck.  I  am  thinking 
what  I  shall  do  with  him — he  is  a  smart  bold  lad." 


64  The  King's  Own 

**By  Jupiter,"  rejoined  Debriseau,  "I'll  make  him  my 
Ganymede,  till  he  grows  older." 

Had  Willy  been  as  learned  in  mythology  as  Captain 
Debriseau,  he  might  have  informed  him,  that  he  had  served 
in  that  capacity  in  his  last  situation  under  Mr  Bullock ; 
but  although  the  names,  as  appertaining  to  a  ship,  were 
not  unknown  to  him,  yet  the  attributes  of  the  respective 
parties  were  a  part  of  his  education  that  old  Adams  had 
omitted. 

"  He  will  be  fit  for  anything,"  rejoined  our  captain,  "  if 
he  will  only  be  honest." 

** M*Elvina,"  said  Debriseau,  "you  always  have  these 
words  in  your  mouth,  *  be  honest.'  Now,  as,  between 
ourselves,  I  do  not  think  that  either  you  or  I  are  leading 
very  honest  lives,  allow  me  to  ask  you  why  you  continually 
harp  upon  honesty  when  we  are  alone  ?  I  can  easily  under- 
stand the  propriety  of  shamming  a  little  before  the  world." 

"Debriseau,  had  any  other  man  said  half  as  much,  I 
would  have  started  my  grog  in  his  face.  It's  no  humbug 
on  my  part.  I  mean  it  sincerely ;  and,  to  prove  it,  I  will 
now  give  you  a  short  sketch  of  my  life;  and  after  you 
have  heard  it,  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  you  will  acknow- 
ledge, with  me,  the  truth  of  the  old  adage,  that  *  Honesty 
is  the  best  policy.' " 

But  Captain  M'Elvina  must  have  a  chapter  to  himself. 


Chapter  X 

He  hath  as  fine  a  hand  at  picking  a  pocket  as  a  woman,  and  is  as  nimble- 
fingered  as  a  juggler.  If  an  unlucky  session  does  not  cut  the  rope  of  his 
life,  I  pronounce  he  will  be  a  great  man  in  history. 

Beggar's  Opera, 

"It  is  an  old  proverb  that  *one  half  the  world  do  not 
know  honv  the  other  half  live.'  Add  to  it,  nor  luhere  they 
live,  and  it  will  be  as  true.  There  is  a  class  of  people,  of 
whose  existence   the  public  are  too  well  aware;    but  of 


The  King's  Own  6^ 

whose  resorts,  and  manners,  and  customs,  among  their 
own  fraternity,  they  are  quite  as  ignorant  now  as  they 
were  one  hundred  years  back.  Like  the  Chinese  and  the 
castes  of  the  East,  they  never  change  their  profession,  but 
bequeath  it  from  father  to  son,  as  an  entailed  estate  from 
which  they  are  to  derive  their  subsistence.  The  class  to 
which  I  refer  consists  of  those  members  of  the  community 
at  large,  who  gain  their  livelihood  by  inserting  their  hands 
into  the  pockets  of  other  people, — not  but  that  all  the 
world  are  doing  the  same  thing,  and  have,  since  the 
creation  ;  but  then  it  is  only  as  amateurs ; — the  class  I  refer 
to,  do  it  professionally,  which,  you  must  observe,  makes  a 
wide  difference.  From  this  class  I  am  lineally  descended ; 
and,  at  an  early  age,  was  duly  initiated  into  all  the  mysteries 
of  my  profession.  I  could  filch  a  handkerchief  as  soon  as 
I  was  high  enough  to  reach  a  pocket,  and  was  declared  to 
be  a  most  promising  child. 

"I  must  do  my  father  and  mother  the  justice  to  acknow- 
ledge, that  while  they  initiated  me  in  the  mysteries  of  my 
future  profession,  they  did  not  attempt  to  conceal  that 
there  were  certain  disagreeable  penalties  attached  to 
'  greatness ; '  but,  when  prepared  from  our  earliest  years, 
we  look  forward  to  our  fate  with  resignation :  and,  as  I 
was  invariably  told,  after  my  return  from  some  daring  feat, 
that  my  life  would  be  a  short  and  a  merry  one,  I  was  not 
dismayed  at  the  words  of  my  prophetic  mother,  who 
observed,  '  Patrick,  my  boy,  if  you  don't  wish  to  bring  my 
grey  hairs  with  sorrow  to  the  grave,  promise  me  to  confine 
yourself  to  picking  pockets  ;  you  will  then  only  be  trans- 
ported :  but  if  you  try  your  hand  at  higher  work,  you'll 
be  hung  before  you're  twenty.'  My  father,  when  I  re- 
turned with  a  full  assorted  cargo,  and  emptied  my  pockets 
into  his  hands,  with  as  much  rapidity  as  I  had  transferred 
the  contents  of  others  into  my  own,  used  to  look  at  me 
with  a  smile  of  pride  and  satisfaction,  and,  shaking  his 
head,  would  exclaim — '  Pat,  you'll  certainly  be  hung.' 

"  Accustomed,  therefore,  from  my  infancy,  to  consider 
twenty  summers,  instead  of  threescore  years  and  ten,  as 

K.       I.  E 


66  The  King's  Own 

the  allotted  space  of  my  existence,  I  looked  forward  to  my 
exit  from  this  world,  by  the  new  drop,  with  the  same 
placidity  as  the  nobleman  awaits  the  time  appointed  for  the 
entrance  of  his  body  into  the  vault  containing  the  dust  of 
his  ancestors.  At  the  age  of  eleven  years,  I  considered 
myself  a  full-grown  man,  dared  all  that  man  could  do,  and 
was  a  constant,  but  unwilling,  attendant  upon  the  police 
office,  where  my  youth,  and  the  promises  of  my  mother 
that  I  should  be  reformed,  assisted  by  showers  of  tears  on 
her  part,  and  by  apparent  ingenuousness  on  mine,  frequently 
pleaded  in  my  favour  with  the  prosecutors. 

"  I  often  lamented,  when  at  that  early  age,  that  my 
want  of  education  prevented  me  from  attempting  the 
higher  walks  of  our  profession  ,  but  this  object  of  my 
ambition  was  gained  at  last,  I  had  taken  a  pocket-book 
from  a  worthy  Quaker,  and,  unfortunately,  was  perceived 
by  a  man  at  a  shop  window,  who  came  out,  collared,  and 
delivered  me  into  the  hands  of  the  prim  gentleman. 
Having  first  secured  his  property,  he  then  walked  with  me 
and  a  police  officer  to  Bow  Street.  My  innocent  face,  and 
my  tears,  induced  the  old  gentleman,  who  was  a  member 
of  the  Philanthropic  Society,  not  only  not  to  prefer  the 
charge  against  me,  but  to  send  me  to  the  institution  at 
Blackfriars  Road. 

**I  made  rapid  progress  under  their  tuition,  and  after 
three  years'  close  application  on  my  part,  and  continual 
inculcation,  on  the  part  of  my  instructors,  of  the  distinction 
between  meu7n  and  tuuruj  I  was  considered  not  only  a  very 
clever  boy,  but  a  reformed  character.  The  Quaker 
gentleman,  who  had  placed  me  in  the  institution,  and  who 
was  delighted  with  the  successful  results  of  his  own  pene- 
tration, selected  me  as  his  servant,  and  took  me  home." 

"Well,  I'm  glad  you  were  so  soon  reformed,"  said 
Debriseau.     ** Where  the  devil's  my  handkerchief?" 

"Oh,  I've  not  got  it,"  answered  M*Elvina,  laughing. 
"  But  you  are  as  much  mistaken  now  as  the  Quaker  was  at 
that  time.  A  wild  beast  may  be  tamed,  and  will  remain  so, 
provided  he  be  not  permitted  again  to  taste  blood.     Then 


The  King's  Own  67 

all  his  ferocious  propensities  will  reappear,  and  prove  that 
his  education  has  been  thrown  away.  So  it  was  with  me. 
At  first,  I  felt  no  desire  to  return  to  my  old  employment ; 
and  had  not  my  master  trusted  me  too  much,  I  might  have 
remained  honest.  You  often  hear  masters  exclaiming 
against  the  dishonesty  of  servants.  I  know  it  to  be  a  fact, 
that  most  of  them  have  been  made  dishonest  by  the  care- 
lessness of  their  employers,  in  having  allowed  temptations 
to  lie  in  their  way,  which  were  too  strong  to  be  resisted. 
My  master  used  to  send  me  up  to  his  bureau,  for  small 
sums  which  he  required,  out  of  a  yellow  canvas  bag,  full 
of  gold  and  silver.  I  am  convinced  that  he  frequently  used 
to  give  me  the  key,  when  in  company  with  his  friends,  in 
order  that,  after  I  had  left  the  room,  he  might  tell  my 
history,  and  prove  the  beneficial  effects  of  the  Society. 
One  day  the  yellow  bag  and  I  both  disappeared. 

"I  threw  off  the  modest  grey  coat  in  which  I  was 
equipped,  and  soon  procured  more  fashionable  attire.  I 
looked  in  the  glass,  and  scarcely  knew  myself;  I  had, 
therefore,  no  fear  of  being  recognised  by  my  former 
master.  Not  wishing  to  be  idle,  I  hired  myself  out  as 
tiger  and  valet  to  a  young  nobleman,  who  was  spending 
ten  thousand  pounds  a  year  upon  an  allowance  of  seven 
hundred.  He  was  a  complete  roue^  and  I  must  gratefully 
own,  that  I  learnt  a  great  deal  from  him,  independently  of 
the  secret  of  tying  my  neck-cloth  correctly  ; — but  we 
soon  parted." 

"How  was  that.?"  said  Debriseau,  knocking  the  ashes 
out  of  his  pipe. 

"  Why,  he  had  several  diamond  rings,  and  as  he  only 
wore  two  or  three  at  a  time,  I  sported  the  others  at  our 
parties.  A  malicious  fellow,  who  was  envious  of  the  dash 
I  cut,  observed,  in  my  hearing,  that  it  was  impossible  to 
tell  real  stones  from  good  paste.  I  took  the  hint,  and 
one  by  one,  the  diamonds  vanished,  and  paste  usurped  their 
places.  Shortly  after,  the  creditors,  not  being  able  to 
touch  my  master's  money  or  his  person,  seized  his  effects, 
and  the  diamond  rings  were  almost  the  only  articles  which 


68  The  King's  Own 

escaped.  My  master,  who  always  looked  out  for  a  rainy 
day,  had  collected  these  rings  as  a  sort  of  stand-by,  to  *  raise 
the  wind '  when  required.  By  ill  luck,  he  took  them  to 
the  same  jeweller  who  had  been  employed  by  me  to  sub- 
stitute the  paste,  and  to  whom  I  had  sold  the  real  stones. 
He  came  home  in  a  great  rage,  accused  me  of  dishonesty, 
and  sent  for  a  constable.  I  told  him  that  I  did  not  consider 
his  conduct  to  be  that  of  a  gentleman,  and  wished  him  good 
morning.  I  had  indeed  intended  to  quit  him,  as  he  was 
done  up,  and  only  waited  his  return  to  tell  him  so.  I  had 
moved  my  trunks,  accordingly,  before  he  was  out  of  bed, 
I  believe  a  few  of  his  suits,  and  some  of  his  linen,  were 
put  in  with  mine,  in  my  extreme  haste ;  but  then  he  owed 
me  wages. 

"When  I  wished  his  lordship  good  morning,  I  certainly 
imagined  that  I  had  little  more  to  learn ;  but  I  must 
acknowledge  that  I  was  mistaken.  I  knew  that  there  was 
a  club  established  for  servants  out  of  place,  and  had  been  a 
subscriber  for  two  years, — as  there  were  many  advantages 
arising  from  it,  independently  of  economy.  I  was  now  a 
member  by  right,  which,  as  long  as  I  was  in  place,  I  was 
not.  To  this  club  I  repaired,  and  I  soon  found  that  I,  who 
fancied  myself  perfect,  was  but  a  tyro  in  the  profession.  It 
was  a  grand  school  certainly,  and  well  organised.  We  had 
our  president,  vice-president,  auditors  of  accounts,  corre- 
sponding members,  and  our  secretary.  Our  seal  was  a 
bunch  of  green  poplar  rods,  with  *  Service  is  no  inheritance  ^ 
as  a  motto. 

"  But  not  to  weary  you  with  a  life  of  adventures  which 
would  fill  volumes,  I  shall  merely  state,  that  I  was  in  place, 
out  of  place,  following  up  my  profession  in  every  way, 
with  great  credit  among  our  fraternity,  until,  one  day,  I 
found  myself,  after  a  tedious  confinement  in  Newgate, 
decorated  with  a  yellow  jacket,  and  pair  of  fetters,  on 
board  of  a  vessel  of  three  hundred  tons  burthen,  bound  to 
New  South  Wales.  We  sailed  for  Sidney,  where  I  had 
been  recommended,  by  the  gentleman  in  a  large  wig,  to 
remain  seven  years  for  change  of  air.      The  same  night 


The  King's  Own  69 

that  the  vessel  came  into  the  cove,  having  more  liberty  than 
the  rest  of  my  shipmates  (from  my  good  behaviour  during 
the  passage),  I  evaded  the  sentry,  and  slipping  down  by  the 
cable  into  the  water,  swam  to  a  ship  lying  near,  which,  I 
had  been  informed,  was  to  sail  on  the  ensuing  day  for  India. 

"  The  captain  being  very  short  of  hands,  headed  me  up 
in  a  cask ;  and,  although  the  vessel  was  not  permitted  to 
sail  until  very  strict  search  had  been  made  for  me,  I  was 
not  discovered,  and  it  was  supposed  that  I  had  been 
drowned  in  making  the  attempt.  Aware  that  it  would 
not  be  good  for  my  health  to  return  previously  to  the 
expiration  of  the  seven  years,  I  determined  to  learn  a 
new  profession — that  of  a  sailor,  for  which  I  always  had 
a  predilection;  besides,  it  quieted  my  conscience  as  to 
the  impropriety  of  not  submitting  to  the  just  punishment 
of  the  law,  as  you  will  acknowledge  that  seven  years  at 
sea,  and  seven  years'  transportation,  are  one  and  the  same 
thing.  From  Batavia  I  went  to  Calcutta,  and  worked 
before  the  mast  in  the  country  vessels  to  Bombay  and 
the  Persian  Gulf,  for  four  years,  when  I  thought  myself 
capable  of  taking  higher  rank  in  the  service,  if  I  could 
get  it ;  especially  as  I  had  picked  up  sufficient  navigation 
to  be  able  to  work  the  ship's  reckoning. 

"  At  Calcutta,  I  obtained  a  situation  as  second  mate  of 
a  fast-sailing  schooner  employed  in  the  smuggling  of 
opium  into  China,  and  after  three  voyages,  rose  to  the 
office  of  chief  mate.  Had  I  remained  another  voyage 
I  should  have  been  captain  of  the  vessel ;  but  my  seven 
years  were  out,  and  I  was  anxious  to  return  to  England, 
and  look  the  Robin  Red  Breasts  boldly  in  the  face.  I 
had  saved  enough  money  to  pay  my  passage,  and  was 
determined  to  go  home  like  a  gentleman,  if  I  had  not 
exactly  gone  out  in  that  character.  What  little  cash 
remained  after  my  passage  was  paid,  I  lost  at  play  to  an 
army  officer,  who  was  returning  in  the  same  ship. 

"When  I  landed  at  Portsmouth,  I  retained  a  suit  of 
*long  togs,'  as  we  call  them,  and,  disposing  of  all  the 
rest  of  my  stock  to  the  Jews,  I  started  for  London.     On 


JO  The  King's  Own 

my  arrival  I  found  that  my  father  and  mother  were  both 
dead,  and  I  was  meditating  upon  my  future  course  of 
life,  when  an  accident  determined  me.  I  picked  up  a 
pocket-book  " — (here  Captain  Debriseau  eyed  him  hard) — 
"I  know  what  you  mean,"  continued  M^Elvina;  "but 
it  ivas  on  the  pavement,  and  not  in  a  pocket,  as  you  would 
imply  by  your  looks.  It  was  full  of  slips  and  scraps  of 
paper  of  all  sorts,  which  I  did  not  take  the  trouble  to 
read.  The  only  available  articles  it  contained,  were  three 
one-pound  notes.  The  owner's  name  and  address  were 
written  on  the  first  blank  leaf.  I  cannot  tell  what 
possessed  me,  but  I  had  an  irresistible  desire  to  be  honest 
once  in  my  life,  and  the  temptation  to  be  otherwise  not 
being  very  great,  I  took  the  pocket-book  to  the  address, 
and  arrived  at  the  house  just  as  the  old  gentleman  to 
whom  it  belonged  was  giving  directions  to  have  it  adver- 
tised. He  was  in  evident  perturbation  at  his  loss — and 
I  came  just  at  the  fortunate  moment.  He  seized  his  book 
with  rapture,  examined  all  the  papers,  and  counted  over 
the  bills  and  notes. 

"  *  Honesty  is  a  scarce  commodity,  young  man,'  said 
he,  as  he  passed  the  leathern  tongue  of  the  book  through 
the  strap.  *  You  have  brought  me  my  book,  without 
waiting  till  a  reward  was  offered.  I  desired  my  clerk 
to  offer  twenty  guineas  in  the  advertisement — I  will  now 
give  you  a  larger  sum.'  He  sat  down,  opened  a  cheque- 
book, and  wrote  me  a  draft  on  his  banker.  It  was  for 
one  hundred  pounds  !  I  was  profuse  in  my  acknowledg- 
ments, while  he  replaced  his  book  in  his  inside  pocket, 
and  buttoned  up  his  coat.  *  Honesty  is  a  scarce  commodity, 
young  man,'  repeated  he;  'call  here  to-morrow  at  one 
o'clock,  and  I  will  see  if  I  can  be  of  any  further  service 
to  you.' 

"  I  returned  to  my  lodgings  in  a  very  thoughtful  mood. 
I  was  astonished  at  the  old  man's  generosity,  and  still 
more  at  my  having  honestly  obtained  so  large  a  sum. 
I  went  to  bed,  and  reflected  on  what  had  passed.  The 
words   of    the   old   gentleman   still    rang   in   my   ears — 


The  King's  Own  71 

'Honesty  is  a  scarce  commodity.'  I  communed  with 
myself.  Here  have  I  been,  nearly  all  my  life,  exercising 
all  my  talents,  exerting  all  my  energies  in  dishonest 
practices,  and  when  did  I,  even  at  the  most  successful 
hit,  obtain  as  much  money  as  I  have  by  an  honest  act  ? 
I  recalled  the  many  days  of  anxious  waiting  that  I  had 
found  necessary  to  accomplish  a  scheme  of  fraud — the 
doubtful  success — the  necessity  of  satisfying  my  associates 
— the  inability  of  turning  into  ready  money  the  articles 
purloined  until  the  hue  and  cry  was  over — the  trifling 
sum  which  I  was  obliged  to  take  from  the  purchasers  of 
stolen  articles,  who  knew  that  I  was  at  their  mercy — 
the  destitute  condition  I  occasionally  was  in — and  the  life 
of  constant  anxiety  that  I  had  led.  These  reflections 
forced  the  truth  upon  my  mind,  that  there  was  more, 
in  the  end,  to  be  gained  by  honesty  than  by  roguery. 

**  Once  convinced,  I  determined  to  lead  a  new  life,  and 
from  that  moment  I  assumed  as  my  motto,  'Honesty  is 
the  best  policy.'  Do  you  hear,  youngster  ? — *  always  be 
honest.' " 


Chapter  XI 

Through  tattered  clothes  small  vices  do  appear ; 
Robes  and  furred  gowns  hide  all. 

Lear, 

Willy,  who  was  tired  out  with  the  extreme  mental  and 
bodily  exertion  that  he  had  undergone,  gave  no  answer 
to  M'Elvina's  injunction,  except  a  loud  snore,  which 
satisfied  the  captain  that  his  caution  in  this  instance  was 
not  heard. 

**Well,"  said  Debriseau,  after  a  short  pause,  "How 
long  did  this  honest  fit  last } " 

"  What  do  you  mean  ? — How  long  did  it  last .?  Why, 
it  has  lasted, — Captain  Debriseau, — it  has  lasted  until  now  ; 
and  shall  last,  too,  as  long  as  this  frame  of  mine  shall  hold 


72  The  King's  Own 

together.  But  to  proceed.  The  next  morning  I  called 
upon  the  old  gentleman  according  to  his  request.  He 
again  told  me,  *  honesty  was  a  scarce  commodity.'  I  could 
have  informed  him  that  it  had  always  been  so  with  me, 
but  I  kept  my  own  counsel.  He  then  asked  me  what 
were  my  profession  and  pursuits  ?  Now,  as  I  had  two 
professions  to  choose  between,  and  as  my  last  was  con- 
sidered to  be  just  as  abundant  in  the  commodity  he  prized 
so  much,  as  my  former  one  was  known  to  be  deficient,  I 
replied  that  I  was  a  sea-faring  man.  *  Then  I  may  find 
some  employment  for  you,'  replied  the  old  gentleman ; 
and  having  put  several  questions  to  me  as  to  the  nature  of 
the  service  I  had  seen,  he  desired  me  to  take  a  walk  till 
three  o'clock,  when  he  would  be  happy  to  see  me  at 
dinner ; — '  We'll  then  be  able  to  have  a  little  conversa- 
tion together,  without  being  overheard.' 

"I  was  exact  to  my  appointment,  and  my  old  friend, 
who  was  punctuality  itself,  did  not  allow  me  to  remain  in 
the  parlour  two  minutes  before  dinner  was  on  the  table. 
As  soon  as  it  was  over,  he  dismissed  the  servant  girl  who 
attended,  and  turned  the  key  in  the  door.  After  sounding 
me  on  many  points,  during  a  rapid  discussion  of  the  first 
bottle  of  port,  he  proceeded  to  inform  me,  that  2i  friend  of 
his  wanted  a  smart  fellow  as  captain  of  a  vessel,  if  I  would 
like  the  employment.  This  suited  me;  and  he  then 
observed,  that  I  must  have  some  notion  of  how  officers 
were  managed,  as  I  had  been  in  the  China  trade,  and  that 
he  thought  that  the  vessel  was  to  be  employed  in  the  con- 
traband trade  on  the  English  coast. 

**  This  startled  me  a  little,  for  I  was  afraid  that  the  old 
gentleman  was  laying  a  trap  for  my  newly-acquired  com- 
modity ;  and  I  was  about  to  refuse  with  some  slight  show 
of  indignation,  when  I  perceived  a  change  in  his  counten- 
ance, indicative  of  disappointment — so  I  only  demurred 
until  he  had  sufficient  time  to  prove  that  there  was  no 
dishonesty  in  the  transaction,  when,  being  convinced  that 
he  was  in  earnest,  I  consented.  Before  the  second  bottle 
was  finished,  I  found  out  that  it  was  not  for  2i friend,  but 


The  King's  Own  T^i 

for  himself,  and  for  one  of  his  own  vessels,  that  he  was 
anxious  to  procure  a  smart  captain ;  and  that  he  had  a 
large  capital  embarked  in  the  concern,  which  was  very 
profitable.  The  pocket-book  which  I  had  returned  was 
of  no  little  importance  ;  had  it  fallen  into  other  hands,  it 
might  have  told  tales. 

"  I  have  now  been  three  years  in  the  old  gentleman's 
employ,  and  a  generous  good  master  he  has  been ;  and 
his  daughter  is  a  sweet  pretty  girl.  I  lost  my  last  vessel, 
but  not  until  she  had  cleared  him;^Io,ooo;  and  now  the 
old  gentleman  is  building  me  another  at  Havre.  Not  to 
be  quite  idle,  I  have  in  the  meantime  taken  command  of 
one  of  their  sloops :  for  the  old  gentleman  has  a  good 
many  shares  in  the  speculation,  and  his  recommendations 
are  always  attended  to." 

"  Void  Monsieur  Beaujou,  avec  les  habit s,^^  said  the  maitre 
d'auberge,  opening  the  door,  and  ushering  in  the  marchand 
des  modes  maritimes,  with  a  huge  bundle. 

"  Now,  then,  boy,  rouse  out,"  said  M*Elvina,  shaking 
our  hero  for  a  long  while,  without  any  symptoms  of  re- 
covering him  from  his  lethargy. 

*'  Try  him  on  the  other  tack,"  said  the  captain,  lifting 
him  off  the  sofa,  and  placing  him  upright  on  his  legs. 

"  There's  no  sugar  in  it  yet,"  said  Willy,  who  was 
dreaming  that  he  was  supplying  the  mulled  claret  to  the 
old  master's-mate. 

"  Ah,"  said  Debriseau,  laughing,  "he  thinks  his  mamma 
is  giving  him  his  tea." 

"The  lying  little  rascal  told  me  this  morning  he  had 
no  mother.  Come,  Mr  William  Seymour,  /  believe'^'' — 
(mimicking)  "officer,  /  believe — Oh,  you're  a  nice  honest 
boy.  Have  you  a  mother,  or  do  you  tell  fibs  in  your 
sleep  as  well  as  awake  }     *  Be  honest.' " 

The  last  words,  that  Willy  had  heard  repeated  so  often 
during  the  day,  not  only  unsealed  his  eyes,  but  recalled  to 
his  recollection  where  he  was. 

"  Now,  my  youngster,  let  us  rig  you  out ;  you  recollect 
you  stated  that  you  were  going  home  for  your  outfit,  and 


74  The  King's  Own 

now  I'll  give  you  one,  that  you  may  have  one  fib  less  on 
your  conscience." 

By  the  generosity  of  M*Elvina,  Willy  was  soon  fitted 
with  two  suits  of  clothes,  requiring  little  alteration,  and 
Mr  Beaujou,  having  received  a  further  order  for  a  supply 
of  shirts,  and  other  articles  necessary  to  complete,  made 
his  bow  and  disappeared. 

The  two  captains  resumed  their  chairs,  and  our  hero 
again  coiled  himself  on  the  sofa,  and  in  one  minute  was  as 
sound  asleep  as  before. 

"  And  now,  M'Elvina,"  resumed  Debriseau,  "  I  should 
like  to  know  by  what  arguments  your  employer  contrived 
to  reconcile  your  present  vocation  with  your  punctilious 
regard  for  honesty  ?  For  I  must  confess,  for  my  own 
part,  that  although  I  have  followed  smuggling  as  a  liveli- 
hood, I  have  never  defended  it  as  an  honest  calling,  and 
have  looked  forward  with  occasional  impatience  to  the 
time  when  I  should  be  able  to  leave  it  off." 

"  Defend  it !  Why  I'll  just  repeat  to  you  the  argu- 
ments used  by  the  old  gentleman.  They  convinced  me. 
As  I  said  before,  I  am  always  open  to  conviction.  Captain 
Debriseau,  you  will  acknowledge,  I  trust,  that  laws  are 
made  for  the  benefit  of  all  parties,  high  and  low,  rich  and 
poor?" 

"  Granted." 

**  You'll  allow  also,  that  law-makers  should  not  be 
law-breakers ;  and  that  if  they  are  so,  they  cannot  expect 
that  others  will  regard  what  they  disregard  them- 
selves." 

"  Granted  also." 

"  Once  more — by  the  laws  of  our  country,  the  receiver 
is  as  bad  as  the  thief,  and  they  who  instigate  others  to 
commit  an  offence,  are  equally  guilty  with  the  offending 
party." 

"It  cannot  be  denied,"  replied  Debriseau. 

"Then  you  have  acceded  to  all  the  propositions  that 
I  wish,  and  we  shall  come  to  an  undeniable  and  mathe- 
matical conclusion.     Observe,  law-makers  should  not  be 


The  King's  Own  75 

law-breakers.  Who  enacted  these  laws  ? — the  aristocracy 
of  the  nation,  seated  in  their  respective  houses,  the  Lords 
and  the  Commons.  Go,  any  night  you  please,  to  the 
Opera,  or  any  other  place  of  public  resort,  in  which  you 
can  have  a  view  of  their  wives  and  daughters.  I'll  stake 
my  existence  that  every  female  there  shall  be  dizened  out 
in  some  contraband  article  of  dress — not  one  but  shall 
prove  to  be  a  receiver  of  smuggled  goods,  and  therefore, 
as  bad  as  those  whom  they  have  instigated  to  infringe  the 
laws  of  their  country.  If  there  were  no  demand  there 
would  be  no  supply." 

'*  Surely  they  don't  all  drink  gin  ? "  replied  Debriseau. 

"Drink  gin!  You're  thinking  of  your  d — d  Cherbourg 
trade  —  your  ideas  are  confined.  Is  there  nothing 
smuggled  besides  gin  ?  Now,  if  the  husbands  and  fathers 
of  these  ladies, — those  who  have  themselves  enacted  the 
laws, — wink  at  their  infringement^  why  should  not  others 
do  so  .?  The  only  distinction  between  the  equally  offend- 
ing parties  is,  that  those  who  are  in  power, — who  possess 
all  the  comforts  and  luxuries  which  this  world  can  afford, 
— ^who  offend  the  laws  from  vanity  and  caprice,  and 
entice  the  needy  to  administer  to  their  love  of  display, 
are  protected  and  unpunished;  while  the  adventurous 
seaman,  whose  means  of  supporting  his  family  depend 
upon  his  administering  to  their  wishes,  or  the  poor  devil 
who  is  unfortunately  detected  with  a  gallon  of  spirits,  is 
thrown  into  gaol  as  if  he  were  a  felon.  There  cannot 
be  one  law  for  the  rich  and  another  for  the  poor,  Debriseau. 
When  I  hear  that  the  wives  of  the  aristocracy  have  been 
seized  by  the  revenue  officers,  and  the  contraband  articles 
which  they  wear  have  been  taken  oiF  their  backs,  and 
that  they  have  been  sentenced  to  twelve  months'  imprison- 
ment, by  a  committal  from  the  magistrate,  then — and 
not  till  then — will  I  acknowledge  our  profession  to  be 
dishotiestP 

**  Very  true,"  said  Debriseau  ;  "it  shows  the  folly  of 
men  attempting  to  make  laws  for  their  masters^ 

**Is  it  not  shocking,"  continued  M*Elvina,  "to  reflect 


^6  The  King's  Own 

upon  the  conduct  of  the  magistrate,  who  has  just  sentenced 
perhaps  four  or  five  unhappy  wretches  to  a  dungeon  for 
an  offence  against  these  laws  ?  He  leaves  the  seat  of 
Justice,  and  returns  to  the  bosom  of  his  family.  Hear 
his  wife," — (mimicking) — "*Well,  my  dear,  you're  come 
at  last — dinner  has  been  put  back  this  half  hour.  I 
thought  you  would  never  have  finished  with  those  odious 
smugglers.'  *  Why,  my  love,  it  was  a  very  difficult  case 
to  prove ;  but  we  managed  it  at  last,  and  I  have  signed 
the  warrant  for  their  committal  to  the  county  gaol. 
They're  sad  troublesome  fellows,  these  smugglers.' — 
Now  look  at  the  lady :  *  "What  dress  is  that  you  put  on  to 
greet  your  husband  ? '  '  Gros  de  Naples  de  Lyon.' — 
*  The  lace  it  is  trimmed  with  ? '  *  Valenciennes.' — *  Your 
gloves,  madam  ? '  *  Fabrique  de  Paris.' — '  Your  ribands, 
your  shoes,  your  handkerchief  ? '  All,  all  contraband. — 
Worthy  magistrate,  if  you  would  hold  the  scales  of 
Justice  with  an  even  hand,  make  out  one  more  mittimus 
before  you  sit  down  to  table.  Send  your  wife  to  languish 
a  twelvemonth  in  company  with  the  poor  smugglers,  and 
then  *  to  dinner  with  what  appetite  you  may.'  And  now, 
Debriseau,  have  I  convinced  you  that  I  may  follow  my 
present  calling,  and  still  say — *  he  honest  ? ' " 

"Why,  yes,  I  think  we  both  mayj  but  would  not  this 
evil  be  removed  by  free  trade  ?  " 

"  Heaven  forbid  !  "  replied  M'Elvina,  laughing  ;  "  then 
there  would  be  no  smuggling,'^ 


Chapter   XII 

Love  me,  love  my  dog. 


Proverb. 


It  is  the  misfortune  of  those  who  have  been  in  constant 
habits  of  deceit,  that  they  always  imagine  others  are 
attempting  the  same  dishonest  practices.  For  some  time, 
M'Elvina  felt  convinced  that  our  little  hero  had  swerved 


The  King's  Own  "jj 

from  truth  in  the  account  which  he  gave  of  himself;  and 
it  was  not  until  after  repeated  catechisings,  in  which  he 
found  that,  strange  and  improbable  as  the  narrative 
appeared,  Willy  never  altered  from  or  contradicted  his 
original  statement,  that  he  believed  the  boy  to  be  as 
honest  and  ingenuous  as  might  have  been  inferred  from 
his  prepossessing  countenance. 

To  this  conviction,  however,  did  he  arrive  at  last ;  and 
our  hero — who  seemed  no  sooner  to  have  lost  one  protector 
than  to  have  the  good  fortune  to  find  another — became 
the  favourite  and  companion  of  his  new  captain,  instead  of 
his  domestic,  as  had  been  originally  contemplated.  A  lad 
of  Willy's  age,  who  is  treated  with  kindness  and  con- 
sideration, is  soon  attached,  and  becomes  reconciled  to  any 
change  of  circumstances.  It  was  a  matter  of  indifference 
to  our  hero,  whether  he  was  on  the  quarter-deck  of  a 
man-of-war,  or  in  the  cabin  of  a  smuggling  sloop.  Con- 
tented with  his  present  lot, — with  the  happy  thoughtless- 
ness of  youth,  he  never  permitted  the  future  to  disturb  his 
repose,  or  affect  his  digestion. 

Willy  had  been  nearly  a  month  at  Cherbourg  when 
M'Elvina's  sloop  took  in  another  cargo.  "Willy,"  said 
M^Elvina,  one  evening  as  they  sat  together  in  the  apart- 
ment at  the  cabaret,  "  to-morrow  I  shall,  in  all  probability, 
sail  for  the  English  coast.  I  have  been  thinking  what  I 
shall  do  with  you.  I  do  not  much  like  parting  with  you  ; 
but,  on  reflection,  I  think  it  will  be  better  that  I  should 
leave  you  behind.  You  can  be  of  no  use,  and  may  be  in 
the  way  if  we  should  be  obliged  to  take  to  our  boat." 

Willy  pleaded  hard  against  this  arrangement.  *^I  never 
have  a  friend  but  I  lose  him  directly,"  said  the  boy,  and 
the  tears  started  into  his  eyes. 

"  I  trust  you  will  not  lose  me,  my  dear  fellow,"  replied 
M^Elvina,  moved  at  this  proof  of  affection ;  "  but  I  must 
explain  to  you  why  I  leave  you.  In  the  first  place,"  added 
he,  laughing,  "  with  that  mark  on  your  shoulder,  it  would 
be  felony  without  benefit  of  clergy  for  you  to  be  found  in 
my  possession ;   but  of  that  I  would  run  the  risk.     My 


yS  The  King's  Own 

serious  reasons  are  as  follow : — If  this  trip  proves  fortunate, 
I  shall  not  return  to  Cherbourg.  I  have  business  of 
importance  in  London,  which  may  require  my  presence  for 
some  weeks  in  that  metropolis  and  its  vicinity.  I  told  you 
before,  that  I  am  about  to  take  the  command  of  a  very 
different  vessel  from  this  paltry  sloop,  and  upon  a  more 
dangerous  service.  In  four  or  five  months  she  will  be 
ready  to  sail,  and  during  that  time  I  shall  be  constantly  on 
the  move,  and  shall  hardly  know  what  to  do  with  you. 
Now,  Willy,  you  are  not  aware  of  the  advantages  of 
education  —  I  am :  and  as  mine  was  given  to  me  by 
strangers,  so  will  I  in  return  bestow  as  much  upon  you 
as  I  can  afford.  You  must,  therefore,  go  to  school 
until  my  return.  You  will  at  least  acquire  the  French 
language,  and  you  will  find  that  of  no  little  use  to  you 
hereafter." 

Willy,  accustomed  to  discipline  and  to  breathe  the  air  of 
passive  obedience,  submitted  without  raising  any  more 
objections.  Debriseau  joined,  and  they  all  three  sallied 
forth  to  make  arrangements  for  placing  our  hero  "^« 
pension"  where  they  had  been  recommended.  Having 
effected  this,  they  agreed  to  lounge  on  the  Place  d  ^Armes 
till  sunset,  when  they  took  possession  of  one  of  the 
benches.  M^Elvina  and  Debriseau  lighted  their  cigars, 
and  puffed  away  in  silence,  while  Willy  amused  himself 
with  watching  the  promenaders  as  they  passed  in  review 
before  him. 

They  had  not  remained  there  many  minutes  when  a 
poodle-dog,  hien  tondu,  and  white  as  a  sheep  from  the 
river  before  the  day  of  shearing,  walked  up  to  them  with 
an  air  of  sagacious  curiosity,  and  looked  M'Elvina  stedfastly 
in  the  face.  M'Elvina,  taking  his  cigar  from  his  mouth, 
held  it  to  the  dog,  who  ran  up  to  it,  as  if  to  smell  it ;  the 
lighted  end  coming  in  contact  with  his  cold  nose,  induced 
the  animal  to  set  up  a  loud  yell,  and  retreat  to  his  master 
much  faster  than  he  came,  passing  first  one  fore-paw  and 
then  the  other  over  his  nose,  to  wipe  away  the  pain,  in 
such  a  ridiculous  manner  as  to  excite  loud  merriment,  not 


The  King's  Own  79 

only  from  our  party  on  the  bench,  but  also  from  others 
who  had  witnessed  the  scene. 

"  So  much  for  curiosity,"  said  M*Elvina,  continuing  his 
mirth.  The  proprietor  of  the  dog,  a  young  Frenchman, 
dressed  very  much  ^^ en  caUcoty''  did  not,  however,  seem 
quite  so  much  amused  with  this  practical  joke ;  he  cocked 
his  hat  fiercely  on  one  side,  raised  his  figure  to  the  utmost 
of  his  height,  and  walking  up,  en  grand  militalre,  addressed 
M*Elvina,  with  **  Comment ^  monsieur,  vous  avez  fait  une 
grande  betise  la — vous  niinsultez — " 

*'  I  think  I  had  better  not  understand  French,"  said 
M^Elvina,  aside  to  Debriseau  ;  then  turning  to  the  French- 
man, with  a  grave  face,  and  air  of  incomprehension, — 
"  What  did  you  say.  Sir  ?  " 

"  Ah  !  you  are  Inglishman.  You  not  speak  French  ? " 
— M'Elvina  shook  his  head,  and  began  to  puff  away  his 
cigar. 

"  Den,  sare,  if  you  not  speak  de  French  language,  I 
speak  de  Inglis  like  von  natif,  and  I  tell  you,  sare,  que  vous 
niave%  insult e.  Got  for  dam  ! — you  burnt  my  dog  nose  •, 
vat  you  mean,  sare  ? " 

"  The  dog  burnt  his  own  nose,"  answered  M'Elvina, 
mildly. 

**  Vat  you  mean  ?  de  dog  burn  his  own  nose  !  How  is 
a  dog  cap-able  to  burn  his  own  nose  ?  Sare,  you  put  de 
cigar  to  my  dog  nose.  I  must  have  de  satisfaction  or  de 
apology  tout  de  suited"* 

*'  But,  sir,  I  have  not  insulted  you.^"* 

"  Sare,  you  insult  my  dog — he  is  von  and  de  same  ting 
— mon  chien  est  un  chien  de  sentiment.  He  feel  de  affront  all 
de  same  vid  me — I  feel  de  affront  all  de  same  vid  him. 
Vous  riavex  qu'a  choisir,  monsieur,^ 

"  Between  you  and  your  dog,"  answered  M'Elvina — 
"  Well,  then,  I'd  rather  fight  the  dog." 

*'  Bah !  fight  de  dog — de  dog  cannot  fight,  sare : 
mais  je  suis  son  maitre  et  son  ami,  and  I  vill  fight  for 
him." 

"Well  then,  monsieur,  I  did  insult  your  dog,  I  must 


8o  The  King's  Own 

acknowledge,  and  I  will  give  him  the  satirfaction  which  you 
require." 

"  And  how  vill  you  give  de  satisfaction  to  de  dog  ? " 

"  "Why,  sir,  you  said  just  now  that  he  was  un  chien  de 
beaucoup  de  sentiment: — if  he  is  so,  he  will  accept  and 
properly  appreciate  my  apology." 

"  Ah,  sare,"  replied  the  Frenchman,  relaxing  the  stern 
wrinkles  of  his  brow,  "rW  hien  dit\  you  will  make  de 
apology  to  de  dog.  ^ans  doute,  he  is  de  principal,  I  am 
only  de  second.  Oest  une  affaire  arrange e.  Moustache^ 
viens  ici,  Moustache"  (the  dog  came  up  to  his  mister.) 
"  Monsieur  est  tres-fache  de  t^ avoir  hrule  le  ne-zP 

"  Monsieur  Moustache,"  said  M^Elvina,  taking  off  his 
hat  with  mock  gravity  to  the  dog,  who  seemed  deter- 
mined to  keep  at  a  respectful  distance,  "yV  vous  demande 
mille  excuses^"* 

"  Ah  I  que  c^est  charmantl  "  cried  some  of  the  fair  sex, 
who,  as  well  as  the  men,  had  been  attracted  by,  and  were 
listening  to  the  dispute.  "  Que  monsieur  V Anglais  est  drolel 
et  voyez  Moustache,  comme  il  a  Pair  content ! — vraiment  c^est 
un  chien  d^  esprit,"  "  Allez,  Moustache"  said  his  master,  who 
was  now  all  smiles,  *^  donnez  la  patte  a  monsieur — donnez  done. 
Ah,  sare,  he  forgive  you,  I  am  very  sure — il  ria  pas  de 
malice ;  but  he  is  afraid  of  de  cigar.  De  burnt  shild  dred 
de  vater,  as  your  great  Shakespeare  say." 

"  Oest  un  chien  de  talent :  il  a  beaucoup  de  sentiment,  Je  suis 
hien  f ache  de  V avoir  blesse,  monsieur," 

"  Et  monsieur  park  fran^ais  ?  " 

"  I  should  esteem  myself  fortunate,  if  I  spoke  your 
language  as  well  as  you  do  mine,"  replied  M*Elvina,  in 
French. 

This  compliment,  before  so  many  bystanders,  com- 
pletely won  the  heart  of  the  vain  and  choleric  French- 
man. 

"Ah,  sare,  you  are  too  complaisant.  I  hope  I  shall  have 
de  pleasure  to  make  your  acquaintance.  Je  m^appelle 
monsieur  Auguste  de  Poivre,  Tai  Vhonneur  de  vous  presenter 
une  carte  d^adresse,     I  live  on  de  top  of  my  mother's, — sur 


The  King's  Own  8i 

P entresol.  My  mother  live  on  de  ground — rez-de-chaussee. 
Madame  ma  mere  will  be  delighted  to  receive  a  monsieur  of 
so  much  vit  and  adresse."  So  saying,  away  went  monsieur 
Auguste  de  Poivre,  followed  by  Moustache,  who  was  "  all 
von  and  de  same  tingr 

"  Well,  we  live  and  learn,"  said  M'Elvina,  laughing,  as 
soon  as  the  Frenchman  was  at  a  little  distance  ;  "  I  never 
thought  that  I  should  have  made  an  apology  to  a  dog." 

**  Oh,  but,"  replied  Debriseau,  "  you  forget  that  he  was 
un  chien  de  sentiment^'' 

**  You  may  imagine,  from  my  behaviour,  that  I  consider 
him  a  wiser  puppy  than  his  master,  for  he  ran  away  from 
fire,  whereas  his  master  tried  all  he  could  to  get  into  it. 
Some  of  our  countrymen  would  have  humoured  him,  and 
turned  a  comedy  into  a  tragedy — I  set  a  proper  value  on  my 
life,  and  do  not  choose  to  risk  it  about  trifles." 

"  There  has  been  more  than  one  valuable  life  thrown 
away  about  a  dog,  in  my  remembrance,"  said  Debriseau. 
"  I  think  you  behaved  in  a  sensible  manner  to  get  rid  of  the 
affair  as  you  did ;  but  you  would  have  done  better  not  to 
have  burnt  the  dog's  nose." 

"  Granted,"  replied  M'Elvina ;  "  the  more  so,  as  I  have 
often  remarked,  that  there  is  no  object  in  the  world,  except 
your  children  or  your  own  self,  in  which  the  meum  is  so 
powerful,  and  the  tuum  so  weak.  You  caress  your  own 
dog,  and  kick  a  strange  one ;  you  are  pleased  with  the 
clamorous  barking  of  your  own  cur,  and  you  curse  the 
same  noise  from  another.  The  feeling  is  as  powerful, 
almost,  as  that  of  a  mother,  who  thinks  her  own  ugly  cub 
a  cherub  compared  to  others,  and  its  squallings  the  music 
of  the  spheres.  It  is  because  there  is  no  being  that 
administers  so  much  to  the  self-love  of  his  master.  He 
submits,  with  humility,  to  the  blow  inflicted  in  the  moment 
of  irritation,  and  licks  the  hand  that  corrects.  He  bears  no 
revengeful  feelings,  and  is  ready  to  fondle  and  caress  you 
the  moment  that  your  good-humour  returns.  He  is,  what 
man  looks  in  vain  for  among  his  kind,  a  faithful  friend,  with- 
out contradiction — the  very  perfection  of  a  slave.  The  abject 
K.       I.  F 

V 


82  The  King's  Own 

submission  on  his  part,  which  would  induce  you  to  despise 
him,  becomes  a  merit,  when  you  consider  his  courage,  his 
fidelity,  and  his  gratitude.  I  cannot  think  what  Mahomet 
was  about  when  he  pronounced  his  fiat  against  them,  as 
unclean^ 

"  Well,"  said  Debriseau,  **  I  agree  with  Mahomet  that 
they  are  not  clean,  especially  puppies.  There's  that  little 
beast  at  Monsieur  Picardon's,  I  declare ^" 

"  Pooh,"  interrupted  M*Elvina,  laughing.  "  I  don't  mean 
it  in  that  sense — I  mean  that,  in  a  despotic  country,  the 
conduct  of  a  dog  towards  his  master  should  be  held  up  as 
an  example  for  imitation  ;  and  I  think  that  the  banner  of 
the  Moslem  should  have  borne  the  dog,  instead  of  the 
crescent,  as  an  emblem  of  blind  fideUty  and  tacit  sub- 
mission." 

"  That's  very  true,"  said  Debriseau  ;  "  but,  nevertheless, 
I  wish  mademoiselle's  puppy  were  either  taught  manners  or 
thrown  over  the  quay." 

"  Ce  n^est  pas  un  chien  de  sentiment^'*  replied  M*Elvina, 
laughing.     "  But  it  is  nearly  dark.     Allans  au  cabaret^ 

They  returned  to  the  inn  ;  and  the  wind,  on  the  ensuing 
morning,  blowing  strong  from  a  favourable  quarter,  Willy 
and  Debriseau  accompanied  M'Elvina  down  to  the  mole, 
from  whence  he  embarked  on  board  of  the  sloop,  which 
was  already  under  way,  and  in  the  course  of  an  hour  was 
out  of  sight. 

On  the  following  day,  Captain  Debriseau  accompanied 
Willy  to  the  pension,  where  our  hero  remained  nearly  five 
months,  occasionally  visited  by  the  Guernsey  captain, 
when  he  returned  from  his  smuggling  trips,  and  more 
rarely  receiving  a  letter  from  M'Elvina,  who  had  safely 
landed  his  cargo,  and  was  latterly  at  Havre,  super- 
intending the  fitting  out  of  his  new  vessel.  Our  hero 
made  good  progress  during  the  few  months  that  he 
remained  at  the  pension,  and  when  M'Elvina  returned 
to  take  him  away,  not  only  could  speak  the  French 
language  with  fluency,  but  had  also  made  considerable 
progress  in  what  Sir  W.  C.  used  to  designate  in  his  toast. 


The  King's  Own  83 

as    "  the    tree    R's,"  —  viz.,    "  Reading,    'Riting,    and 
'Rithmetic." 

The  lugger  which  had  been  built  for  M'Elvina 
by  his  employer  was  now  ready,  and,  bidding  farewell 
to  Debriseau,  who  continued  in  the  Cherbourg  trade, 
our  hero  and  his  protector  journeyed  en  diligence  to 
Havre. 


Chapter  XIII 

Through  the  haze  of  the  night  a  bright  flash  now  appearing, 
"  Oh,  ho  I  "  cried  Will  Watch,  "  the  Philistines  bear  down  ; 

Bear  a  hand,  my  tight  lads,  ere  we  think  about  sheering. 
One  broadside  pour  in,  should  we  swim,  boys,  or  drown." 

Sea  Song, 

"  Now,  Willy,  what  do  you  think  of  La  Belle  Suzanne  ?  " 
said  M'Elvina,  as  they  stood  on  the  pier  about  a  stone's 
throw  from  the  vessel,  which  lay  with  her  broadside 
towards  them.  Not  that  M^Elvina  had  any  opinion  of 
"Willy's  judgment,  but,  from  the  affectionate  feeling 
which  every  sailor  imbibes  for  his  own  ship,  he  expected 
gratification  even  in  the  admiration  of  a  child.  The  lugger 
was  certainly  as  beautiful  a  model  of  that  description  of 
vessel  as  had  ever  been  launched  from  a  slip.  At  the 
distance  of  a  mile,  with  the  sea  running,  it  was  but 
occasionally  that  you  could  perceive  her  long  black  hull, 
— so  low  was  she  in  the  water,  and  so  completely  were 
her  bulwarks  pared  down ;  yet  her  breadth  of  beam  was 
very  great,  and  her  tonnage  considerable,  as  may  be  in- 
ferred when  it  is  stated  that  she  mounted  sixteen  long 
brass  nine-pounders,  and  was  manned  with  one  hundred 
and  thirty  men.  But  now  that  she  was  lying  at  anchor 
in  smooth  water,  you  had  an  opportunity  of  examining, 
with  the  severest  scrutiny,  the  beautiful  run  of  the  vessel, 
as  she  sat  graceful  as  a  diver,  and  appeared,  like  that 
aquatic  bird,  ready  to  plunge  in  a  moment,  and  disappear 


84  The  King's  Own 

under  the  wave  cleft  by  her  sharp  forefoot,  and  rippling 
under  her  bows. 

**  When  shall  we  sail  ?  "  inquired  Willy,  after  bestow- 
ing more  judicious  encomiums  upon  the  vessel  than  might 
be  expected. 

**  To-morrow  night,  if  the  wind  holds  to  the  southward. 
We  took  in  our  powder  this  morning.  Where  were  you 
stationed  at  quarters  on  board  the ?  " 

"  Nowhere.  I  was  not  on  the  ship's  books  until  a  day 
or  two  before  I  left  her." 

"  Then  you  must  be  a  powder-monkey  with  me ;  you 
can  hand  powder  up,  if  you  can  do  nothing  else." 

**  I  can  do  more,"  replied  Willy,  proudly ,  "  I  can  roll 
shells  overboard." 

"  Ay,  ay,  so  you  can  ;  I  forgot  that.  I  suppose  I  must 
put  you  on  the  quarter-deck,  and  make  an  officer  of  you, 
as  Captain  M intended  to  do." 

'*  I  mean  to  stand  by  you  when  we  fight,"  said  Willy, 
taking  M^Elvina's  hand. 

**  Thank  you — that  may  not  be  so  lucky.  I'm  rather 
superstitious  ;  and,  if  I  recollect  right,  your  old  friend 
Adams  had  that  honour  when  he  was  killed." 

The  name  of  old  Adams  being  mentioned,  made  Willy 
silent  and  unhappy.  M'Elvina  perceived  it;  the  conversa- 
tion was  dropped  5  and  they  returned  home. 

A  few  days  afterwards.  La  Belle  Suzanne  sailed,  amidst 
the  shouts  and  vivas  of  the  multitude  collected  on  the 
pier,  and  a  thousand  wishes  for  ^^  succes"  and  '^bon 
voyage'*'' — the  builder  clapping  his  hands,  and  skipping 
with  all  the  simial  ecstasy  of  a  Frenchman,  at  the  en- 
comiums lavished  upon  his  vessel,  as  she  cleaved  through 
the  water  with  the  undeviating  rapidity  of  a  barracouta. 
But  the  vivas,  and  the  shouts,  and  the  builder,  and  the 
pier  that  he  capered  on,  were  soon  out  of  sight;  and 
our  hero  was  once  more  confiding  in  the  trackless  and 
treacherous  ocean. 

"  Well,  she  does  walk,"  said  Phillips,  who  had  followed 
the  fortunes  of  his  captain,  and  was  now  looking  over 


The  King's  Own  85 

the  quarter  of  the  vessel.  "She  must  be  a  clipper  as 
catches  us  with  the  tacks  on  board  !  Right  in  the  wind's 
eye  too ;  clean  full.  By  the  powers,  I  believe  if  you 
were  to  lift  her,  she  would  lay  a  point  on  the  other 
side  of  the  wind." 

"  Get  another  pull  of  the  fore-halyards,  my  lads,"  cried 
M*Elvina.  "  These  few  ropes  stretch  most  confoundedly. 
There,  belay  all  that ;  take  a  severe  turn,  and  don't  come 
up  an  inch." 

The  breeze  freshened,  and  the  lugger  flew  through  the 
water,  dashing  the  white  spray  from  her  bows  into  the 
air,  where  it  formed  little  rainbows,  as  it  was  pierced 
by  the  beams  of  the  setting  sun. 

**  We  shall  have  a  fine  night,  and  light  weather  towards 
the  morning,  I  think,"  said  the  first  mate,  addressing 
M'Elvina. 

"  I  think  so  too.  Turn  the  hands  up  to  muster  by  the 
quarter-bill.  We'll  load  the  guns  as  soon  as  the  lights  are 
out ;  let  the  gunner  fill  forty  rounds,  and  desire  the 
carpenter  to  nail  up  the  hatchway-screens.  Let  them  be 
rolled  up  and  stopped.  We'll  keep  them  up  for  a  full  due, 
till  we  return  to  Havre." 

The  crew  of  the  lugger  were  now  summoned  on  deck 
by  the  call  of  the  boatswain,  and  having  been  addressed  by 
Captain  M*Elvina  upon  the  absolute  necessity  of  activity 
and  preparation,  in  a  service  of  such  peculiar  risk,  they 
loaded  the  guns,  and  secured  them  for  the  night. 

The  crew  consisted  of  about  eighty  or  ninety  English- 
men, out  of  the  full  complement  of  one  hundred  and  thirty 
men  j  the  remainder  was  composed  of  Frenchmen,  and 
other  continental  adventurers.  Although  the  respective 
countries  were  at  variance,  the  subjects  of  each  had  shaken 
hands,  that  they  might  assist  each  other  in  violating  the 
laws.  The  quiet  and  subordination  of  a  king's  ship  were 
not  to  be  expected  here  : — loud  and  obstreperous  mirth, 
occasional  quarrelling,  as  one  party,  by  accident  or  inten- 
tion, wounded  the  national  pride  of  the  other ;  French, 
English,  and   Irish   spoken   alternately,   or   at   the   same 


86  The  King's  Own 

moment — created  a  degree  of  confusion,  which  proved  that 
the  reins  of  government  were  held  lightly  by  the  captain 
in  matters  of  small  importance ;  but  although  there  was 
a  general  freedom  of  manner,  and  independence  of  address, 
still  his  authority  was  acknowledged,  and  his  orders 
implicitly  obeyed.  It  was  a  ship's  company  which  pulled 
every  way,  as  the  saying  is,  when  there  was  nothing  to 
demand  union  j  but  let  difficulty  or  danger  appear,  and  all 
their  squabbling  was  forgotten,  or  reserved  for  a  more 
seasonable  opportunity  :  then  they  all  pulled  together,  those 
of  each  nation  vying  in  taking  the  lead  and  setting  an 
example  to  the  other. 

Such  was  the  crew  of  the  lugger  which  M'Elvina  com- 
manded, all  of  whom  were  picked  men,  remarkable  for 
their  strength  and  activity. 

As  the  first  mate  had  predicted,  the  wind  fell  light 
after  midnight,  and  at  dawn  of  day  the  lugger  was  gliding 
through  the  smooth  water,  at  the  rate  of  three  or  four 
miles  an  hour,  shrouded  in  a  thick  fog.  The  sun  rose, 
and  had  gained  about  twenty  degrees  of  altitude,  when 
M*Elvina  beat  to  quarters,  that  he  might  accustom  his  men 
to  the  exercise  of  the  guns.  The  rays  of  the  sun  had  not 
power  to  pierce  through  the  fog ;  and,  shorn  of  his  beams, 
he  had  more  the  appearance  of  an  overgrown  moon,  or 
was,  as  Phillips  quaintly  observed,  **  like  a  man  disguised 
in  woman's  attire." 

The  exercise  of  the  guns  had  not  long  continued,  when 
the  breeze  freshened  up,  and  the  fog  began  partially  to 
disperse.  Willy,  who  was  perched  on  the  round-house 
abaft,  observed  a  dark  mass  looming  through  the  mist 
on  the  weather  beam.  "  Is  that  a  vessel  ? "  said  Willy, 
pointing  it  out  to  the  first  mate,  who  was  standing  near 
M'Elvina. 

**  Indeed  it  is,  my  boy,"  replied  the  mate  ;  "  you've  a 
sharp  eye  of  your  own." 

M*Elvina's  glass  was  already  on  the  object.  "  A  cutter, 
right  before  the  wind,  coming  down  to  us  ;  a  government 
vessel,  of  some  sort  or  another,  I'll  swear.     I  trust  she's  a 


The  King's  Own  87 

revenue  cruiser — I  have  an  account  to  settle  with  those 
gentlemen.  Stay  at  your  quarters,  my  lads — hand  up 
shot,  and  open  the  magazine  !  " 

The  powerful  rays  of  the  sun,  assisted  by  the  increasing 
wind,  now  rolled  away  the  fog  from  around  the  vessels, 
which  had  a  perfect  view  of  each  other.  They  were 
distant  about  two  miles,  and  the  blue  water  was  strongly 
rippled  by  the  breeze  which  had  sprung  up.  The  lugger 
continued  her  course  on  a  wind,  while  the  cutter  bore 
down  towards  her,  with  all  the  sail  that  she  could  throw 
out.  The  fog  continued  to  clear  away,  until  there  was  an 
open  space  of  about  three  or  four  miles  in  diameter.  But 
it  still  remained  folded  up  in  deep  masses,  forming  a  wall 
on  every  side,  which  obscured  the  horizon  from  their 
sight.  It  appeared  as  if  nature  had  gratuitously  cleared 
away  a  sufficient  portion  of  the  mist,  and  had  thus  arranged 
a  little  amphitheatre  for  the  approaching  combat  between 
the  two  vessels. 

"  His  colours  are  up,  sir.  Revenue  stripes,  by  the 
Lord  !  "  cried  Phillips. 

"  Then  all's  right,"  replied  M'Elvina. 

The  cutter  had  now  run  down  within  half  a  mile  of  the 
lugger,  who  had  continued  her  course  with  the  most 
perfect  nonchalance — when  she  rounded-to.  The  com- 
mander of  the  vessel,  aware,  at  the  first  discovery  of  the 
lugger,  that  she  could  be  no  other  than  an  enemy,  who 
would  most  probably  give  him  some  trouble,  had  made 
every  preparation  for  the  engagement. 

"  Shall  we  hoist  any  colours,  sir  ? "  said  the  first  mate 
to  M'Elvina. 

«  No — if  we  hoist  English,  he  will  not  commence  action 
until  he  has  made  the  private  signal,  and  all  manner  of 
parleying,  which  is  quite  unnecessary.  He  knows  what 
we  are  well  enough." 

"  Shall  we  hoist  a  French  ensign,  sir  ?  " 

"  No  ;  I'll  fight  under  no  other  colours  than  those  of  old 
England,  even  when  I  resist  her  authority." 

A  long  column  of  white  smoke  now  rolled  along  the 


88  The  King's  Own 

surface  of  the  water,  as  the  cutter,  who  had  waited  in  vain 
for  the  colours  being  hoisted,  fired  the  first  gun  at  her 
antagonist.  The  shot  whizzed  between  the  masts  of  the 
lugger,  and  plunged  into  the  water  a  quarter  of  a  mile  to 
leeward. 

"  A  vousy  monsieur  !  "  roared  out  a  French  quarter-master 
on  board  of  the  lugger,  in  imitation  of  the  compliments 
which  take  place  previously  to  an  assaut  d^armes,  at  the 
same  time  taking  off  his  hat,  and  bowing  to  the 
cutter. 

"  Too  high,  too  high,  good  Mr  Searcher,"  said  M*Elvina, 
laughing ;  "  depress  your  guns  to  her  water-line,  my  lads, 
and  do  not  fire  until  I  order  you." 

The  remainder  of  the  cutter's  broadside  was  now 
discharged  at  the  lugger,  but  the  elevation  being  too  great, 
the  shot  whizzed  over,  without  any  injury  to  her  crew  j 
the  main-halyards  were,  however,  shot  away,  and  the  yard 
and  sail  fell  thundering  down  on  the  deck. 

"  Be  smart,  my  lads,  and  bend  on  again  ;  it's  quite  long 
enough.  Up  with  the  sail,  and  we'll  return  the  compli- 
ment." 

In  less  than  a  minute,  the  tie  of  the  halyards,  which  had 
been  divided  close  to  the  yard,  was  hitched  round  it,  and 
the  sail  again  expanded  to  the  breeze,  "  Now,  my  lads, 
remember,  don't  throw  a  shot  away — fire  when  you're 
ready." 

The  broadside  of  the  lugger  was  poured  into  the  cutter, 
with  what  effect  upon  the  crew  could  not  be  ascertained  ; 
but  the  main-boom  was  cut  in  half,  and  the  outer  part  of 
it  fell  over  the  cutter's  quarter,  and  was  dragged  astern  by 
the  clew  of  the  sail. 

*'  It's  all  over  with  her  already,"  said  the  first  mate  to 
M'Elvina ;  and,  as  the  cutter  payed  off  before  the  wind 
another  broadside  from  her  well-manned  antagonist  raked 
her  fore  and  aft.  The  cutter  hauled  down  her  jib,  eased 
off  her  fore-sheet,  and  succeeded  in  again  bringing  her 
broadside  to  bear.  The  action  was  now  maintained  with 
spirit,  but  much  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  cutter,  who  was 


The  King's  Own  89 

not  only  inferior  in  force,  but  completely  disabled,  from  the 
loss  of  her  main-boom. 

After  an  exchange  of  a  dozen  broadsides,  M'Elvina 
shot  the  lugger  ahead,  and,  tacking  under  his  adversary's 
bows,  raked  him  a  second  time.  The  commander  of  the 
revenue  vessel,  to  avoid  a  repetition  of  a  similar  disaster, 
payed  his  vessel  off  before  the  wind,  and  returned  the  fire 
as  they  came  abreast  of  each  other;  but  in  these 
manoeuvres,  the  lugger  obtained  the  weather-gage.  It 
was,  however,  a  point  of  little  consequence  as  matters  then 
stood.  In  a  few  more  broadsides  the  cutter  was  a 
complete  wreck,  and  unable  to  return  the  fire  of  her 
opponent.  Her  fore-stay  and  halyards  had  been  cut  away, 
her  fore-sail  was  down  on  deck,  and  her  jib  lying  over- 
board, under  her  bows. 

"  I  think  that  will  do,"  said  M^Elvina  to  the  first  mate. 
"We  had  better  be  off  now,  for  our  guns  will  be  sure  to 
bring  down  some  of  the  cruisers ;  and  if  she  surrendered, 
I  could  not  take  possession  of  her.  Let's  give  her  a  parting 
broadside  and  three  cheers." 

M*Elvina's  orders  were  obeyed ;  but  not  one  gun  was 
returned  by  the  cutter — "  Starboard  a  little ;  keep  her 
away  now,  and  we'll  close  and  stand  ahead  of  her,  that  she 
may  read  our  name  on  the  stern.  It's  a  pity  they  should 
not  know  to  whom  they  are  indebted.  They'll  not  forget 
La  Belle  Suzanne.''^ 

The  cutter  had  not  been  left  a  mile  astern  before  the 
breeze  freshened,  and  the  fog  began  rapidly  to  disperse ; 
and  Phillips,  who  continued  at  the  conn,  perceived,  through 
the  haze,  a  large  vessel  bearing  down  towards  them. 

"  High  time  that  we  were  off,  indeed,  captain :  for 
there's  a  cruiser  if  I  mistake  not.  A  gun  here  is  the  same 
to  the  cruiser,  as  a  splash  in  the  water  is  to  the  ground 
sharks  at  Antigua ; — up  they  all  come  to  see  what's  to  be 
had.  We  shall  have  a  dozen  of  them  above  the  horizon 
before  two  hours  are  above  our  heads." 

M*Elvina,  who  had  his  glass  fixed  upon  the  vessel,  soon 
made  her  out  to  be  a  frigate,  coming  down  under  a  press 


90  The  King's  Own 

of  sail,  attracted,  as  Phillips  had  remarked,  by  the  reports 
of  the  guns.  What  made  the  affair  more  serious  was,  that 
she  was  evidently  bringing  down  a  strong  breeze,  which 
the  lugger,  although  steering  large,  had  not  yet  obtained. 
Moreover,  the  fog  had  dispersed  in  all  directions,  and  the 
frigate  neared  them  fast. 

"B 1  the  cutter!"  said  the  first  mate;  **  we  shall 

pay  dearly  for  our  *  lark.' " 

"  This  is  confoundedly  unlucky,"  replied  M'Elvina ; 
"  she  brings  the  wind  down  with  her,  and  won't  part  with 
a  breath  of  it.  However,  *  faint  heart  never  won  fair 
lady.'  Keep  her  away  two  points  more.  Clap  everything 
on  her.     "We'll  weather  her  yet." 

The  breeze  that  ran  along  the  water  in  advance  of  the 
frigate,  now  began  to  be  felt  by  the  lugger,  who  again 
dashed  the  foaming  water  from  her  bows,  as  she  darted 
through  the  wave  ;  but  it  was  a  point  of  sailing  at  which 
a  frigate  has  always  an  advantage  over  a  small  vessel ;  and 
M'Elvina  having  gradually  edged  away  so  as  to  bring  the 
three  masts  of  his  pursuer  apparently  into  one,  perceived 
that  the  frigate  was  rapidly  closing  with  him. 

The  crew  of  the  lugger,  who  had  been  all  merriment  at 
the  successful  termination  of  the  late  combat  (for  not  one 
man  had  been  killed  or  severely  wounded),  now  paced  the 
deck,  or  looked  over  the  bulwark  with  serious  and  fore- 
boding aspects ;  the  foreigners  particularly  began  to  curse 
their  fate,  and  considered  their  voyage  and  anticipated 
profits  at  an  end.  M'Elvina,  perceiving  their  discontent, 
ordered  the  men  aft,  and  addressed  them : — 

**  My  lads,  I  have  often  been  in  a  worse  scrape,  and 
have  weathered  it ;  nor  do  I  know,  but  what  we  may  yet 
manage  to  get  out  of  this,  if  you  will  pay  strict  attention 
to  my  orders,  and  behave  in  that  cool  and  brave  manner 
which  I  have  reason  to  expect  from  you.  Much,  if  not  all, 
depends  upon  whether  the  captain  of  that  frigate  is  a  *  new 
hand '  or  not : — if  he  is  an  old  Channel  groper,  we  shall 
have  some  difficulty ;  but,  however,  we  will  try  for  it,  and 
if  we  do  not  succeed,  at  least  we  shall  have  the  satisfaction 


The  King's  Own  91 

of  knowing  that  we  did  our  best  both  for  ourselves  and 
our  employers." 

M'Elvina  then  proceeded  to  explain  to  his  crew  the 
manceuvre  that  he  intended  to  practise,  to  obtain  the 
weather-gage  of  the  frigate,  upon  which  their  only  chance 
of  escape  would  depend,  and  the  men  returned  to  their 
stations,  if  not  contented,  at  least  with  increased  confidence 
m  their  captain,  and  strong  hopes  of  success. 

As  the  day  closed,  the  frigate  was  within  a  mile  of  the 
lugger,  and  coming  up  with  him  hand  over  hand.  The 
breeze  was  strong,  and  the  water  was  no  longer  in  ripples, 
but  curled  over  in  short  waves  to  the  influence  of  the  blast. 
The  frigate  yawed  a  little — the  smoke  from  her  bow-chaser 
was  followed  by  an  instantaneous  report,  and  the  shot 
dashed  into  the  water  close  under  the  stern  of  the  lugger. 
"  Sit  down  under  the  bulwarks ;  sit  down,  my  lads,  and 
keep  all  fast,"  said  M'Elvina.  "  He'll  soon  be  tired  of 
that;  he  has  lost  more  than  a  cable's  length  already." 
M*Elvina  was  correct  in  his  supposition ;  the  commander 
of  the  frigate  perceived  that  he  had  lost  too  much  ground 
by  deviating  from  his  course,  and  the  evening  was  closing 
in.  He  fired  no  more.  Both  vessels  continued  their 
course, — the  smuggler  particularly  attentive  in  keeping 
the  three  masts  of  her  pursuer  in  one,  to  prevent  her  from 
firing  into  her,  or  to  oblige  her  to  drop  astern  if  she  did. 

Half  an  hour  more,  and  as  the  sun's  lower  limb  touched 
the  horizon,  the  frigate  was  within  musket-shot  of  the 
lugger,  and  the  marines,  who  had  been  ordered  forward, 
commenced  a  heavy  fire  upon  her,  to  induce  her  to  lower 
her  sails  and  surrender ; — but  in  vain ;  by  the  directions  of 
their  captain,  the  men  sheltered  themselves  under  the 
bulwarks,  and  the  vessel  continued  her  course,  with  all  her 
sails  expanded  to  the  breeze. 

A  few  minutes  more  and  she  was  right  under  the  bows 
of  the  frigate,  who  now  prepared  to  round-to,  and  pour  a 
broadside  into  her  for  her  temerity.  M*Elvina  watched 
their  motions  attentively,  and  as  the  frigate  yawed  to  with 
all  her  sails  set,  he  gave  the  order  to  lower  away ;  and  the 


92  The  King's  Own 

sails  of  the  lugger  were  in  an  instant  down  on  the  deck,  in 
token  of  submission. 

"  Helm  hard  a  lee,  now — keep  a  little  bit  of  the  mizen 
up,  Phillips — they  won't  observe  it." 

**  Marines,  cease  firing, — hands,  shorten  sail,  and  clear 
away  the  first  cutter,"  were  the  orders  given  on  board  the 
frigate,  and  distinctly  heard  by  the  smugglers ;  but  the 
heavy  press  of  sail  that  the  frigate  was  obliged  to  carry 
to  come  up  with  the  chase,  was  not  so  soon  to  be  reduced 
as  that  of  a  small  vessel — and,  as  she  rounded-to  with 
studding-sails  below  and  aloft,  she  shot  past  the  lugger, 
and  left  her  on  her  quarter. 

"Now*s  your  time,  my  men.  Hoist  away  the  jib-sheet 
to  windward." — The  lugger  payed  off  as  the  wind  caught 
the  sail. — "  All's  right.     Up  with  the  lugs." 

The  order  was  obeyed  as  an  order  generally  is  by  men 
working  for  their  escape  from  what  they  most  dreaded, 
poverty  and  imprisonment ;  and,  before  the  frigate  could 
reduce  her  sails,  which  were  more  than  she  could  carry  on 
a  wind,  the  lugger  had  shot  away  on  her  weather  quarter, 
and  was  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  advance.  The  frigate  tacked 
after  her,  firing  gun  after  gun,  but  without  success. 
Fortune  favoured  M*Elvina ;  and  the  shades  of  night  soon 
hid  the  lugger  from  the  sight  of  her  irritated  and  dis- 
appointed pursuers.  A  long  career  was  before  La  Belle 
Suzanne :   she  was  not  to  be  taken  that  time. 


Chapter  XIV 

A  fisherman  he  had  been  in  his  youth  ; 
But  other  speculations  were,  in  sooth, 
Added  to  his  connexion  with  the  sea, 
Perhaps  not  so  respectable,  in  truth, 

He  had  an  only  daughter. 

Don  Juan. 

Not  possessing  a  prompter's  whistle,  we  must  use,  as  a 


The  King's  Own  93 

substitute,  the  boatswain's  call,  and,  at  his  shrill  pipe, 
we  change  the  scene  to  a  back  parlour  in  one  of  the  most 
confined  streets  at  the  east  end  of  England's  proud  and 
wealthy  metropolis.  The  dramatis  persona  are  an  elderly 
and  corpulent  personage,  with  as  little  of  fashion  in  his 
appearance  as  in  his  residence  ;  and  a  young  female  of 
about  twenty  years  of  age,  with  expressive  and  beautiful 
features,  but  wantiii|;  "  the  damask  on  the  cheek,"  the  true 
value  of  which  the  fair  sex  so  well  appreciate,  that,  if  not 
indebted  for  it  to  nature,  they  are  too  apt  to  resort  to  art 
for  an  unworthy  imitation. 

The  first  mentioned  of  these  two  personages  was  busy 
examining,  through  his  spectacles,  some  papers  which 
lay  on  the  table  before  him, — occasionally  diverted  from 
his  task  by  the  pertinacity  of  some  flies,  which  seemed 
to  have  taken  a  particular  fancy  to  his  bald  forehead  and 
scalp,  which,  in  spite  of  his  constant  brushing  off,  they 
thought  proper  to  consider  as  a  pleasant  and  smooth  sort 
of  coursing-plain,  placed  there  (probably  in  their  ideas) 
solely  for  their  amusement.  Part  of  a  decanter  of  wine, 
and  the  remains  of  a  dessert,  crowded  the  small  table 
at  which  he  sat,  and  added  to  the  general  air  of  confine- 
ment which  pervaded  the  whole. 

**It's  very  hot,  my  dear.  Open  the  window,  and  let 
us  have  a  little  air." 

"  Oh,  father,"  replied  the  young  woman,  who  rose  to 
throw  up  the  sash,  "  you  don't  know  how  I  pine  for  fresh 
air.  How  long  do  you  intend  to  continue  this  life  of 
constant  toil  and  privation  ? " 

"  How  long,  my  dear  ?  Why,  I  presume  you  do  not 
wish  to  starve — you  would  not  be  very  well  pleased  if, 
when  you  applied  for  money,  as  you  do  every  week  at 
least,  I  were  to  tell  you  that  the  bag  was  empty." 

"Oh,  nonsense,  I  know  better,  father — don't  think 
so  poorly  of  me  as  to  attempt  to  deceive  me  in  that  way." 

**  And  pray,  Miss  Susan,  what  do  you  know  ? "  said 
the  old  gentleman,  looking  up  at  her  through  his  spectacles, 
as  she  stood  by  the  side  of  his  chair. 


94  The  King's  Own 

**I  know  what  you  have  taught  me,  sir.  Do  you 
recollect  explaining  to  me  the  nature  of  the  funds — what 
was  the  meaning  of  the  national  debt — all  the  varieties 
of  stock,  and  what  interest  they  all  bore  ?  " 

"  Well,  and  what  then  ? " 

"Why,  then,  father,  I  have  often  seen  the  amount  of 
the  dividends  which  you  have  received  every  half-year, 
and  have  heard  your  orders  to  Wilmott,  to  re-invest  in 
the  funds.  Now  your  last  half-year's  dividend  in  the 
three  per  cents  was — let  me  see — oh,  £S^I,  14s.  6d. 
which,  you  know,  doubled,  makes  itself  an  income  of — — " 

**  And  pray.  Miss  Susan,  what  business  have  you  with 
all  this  ? "  retorted  her  father,  half  pleased,  half  angry. 

"Why,  father,  you  taught  me  yourself,  and  thought 
me  very  stupid  because  I  did  not  comprehend  it  as  soon 
as  you  expected,"  answered  Susan,  leaning  over  and 
kissing  him ;  **  and  now  you  ask  me  what  business  I 
have  to  know  it." 

"Well,  well,  girl,  it's  very  true,"  said  the  old  man, 
smiling  ;  "  but  allowing  that  you  are  correct,  what  then  ?  " 

"Why  then,  father,  don't  be  angry  if  I  say  that  it 
appears  to  me  that  you  have  more  money  now  than  you 
can  spend  while  you  live,  or  know  to  whom  to  leave 
when  you  die.  What,  then,  is  the  use  of  confining 
yourself  in  a  dirty  narrow  street,  and  toiling  all  day 
for  no  earthly  advantage  ? " 

"But  how  do  you  know  that  I  have  nobody  to  leave 
my  money  to,  Susan  ? " 

"Have  you  not  repeatedly  said  that  you  have  no 
relations  or  kin,  that  you  are  aware  of,  except  me;  that 
you  were  once  a  sailor  before  the  mast — an  orphan, 
bound  apprentice  by  the  parish?  Whom,  then,  have 
you  except  me? — and  if  you  continue  here  much  longer, 
father,  I  feel  convinced  that  you  will  not  have  me — you 
will  have  no  one.  If  you  knew  how  tired  I  am  of  looking 
out  at  this  horrid  brick  wall — how  I  long  for  the  country, 
to  be  running  among  the  violets  and  primroses — how  I 
pine  for  relief  from  this  little  dungeon.     Oh !  what  would 


The  King's  Own  95 

I  give  to  be  flying  before  the  breeze  in  the  lugger  with 
M^Elvina." 

"Indeed,  miss ! "  replied  old  Hornblow,  whom  the  reader 
may  recognise  as  the  patron  of  our  smuggling  captain. 

"  "Well,  father,  there's  no  harm  in  saying  so.  I  want 
freedom.  I  feel  as  if  I  could  not  be  too  free — I  should 
like  to  be  blown  about  in  a  balloon.  Oh,  why  don't  you 
give  up  business,  go  down  to  the  seaside,  take  a  pretty 
little  cottage,  and  make  yourself  and  me  happy ;  I  fancy 
the  sea-breeze  is  blowing  in  my  face,  and  all  my  ringlets 
out  of  curl.  I  shall  die  if  I  stay  here  much  longer — I 
shall  indeed,  father." 

Repeated  attacks  of  this  nature  had  already  sapped  the 
foundation ;  and  a  lovely  and  only  daughter  had  the 
influence  over  her  father's  heart,  to  which  she  was  entitled. 

"  Well,  well,  Susan — let  M*Elvina  wind  up  the  accounts 
of  this  vessel,  and  then  I  will  do  as  you  wish  ;  but  I 
cannot  turn  him  adrift,  you  know." 

"  Turn  Captain  M'Elvina  adrift !  No — if  you  did, 
father " 

"  I  presume  that  you  would  be  very  much  inclined  to 
take  him  in  tow — Eh,  miss  ? " 

"  I  shall  never  act  without  attending  to  your  advice, 
and  consulting  your  wishes,  my  dear  father,"  answered 
Susan,  the  suffusion  of  her  unusually  pale  cheeks  proving 
that  she  required  but  colour  to  be  perfectly  beautiful. 

And  here  the  conversation  dropped.  Old  Hornblow 
had  long  perceived  the  growing  attachment  between  his 
daughter  and  M'Elvina;  and  the  faithful  and  valuable 
services  of  the  latter,  added  to  the  high  opinion  which 
the  old  man  had  of  his  honesty, — which,  to  do  M'Elvina 
justice,  had  been  most  scrupulous, — had  determined  him 
to  let  things  take  their  own  course.  Indeed,  there  was 
no  one  with  whom  old  Hornblow  was  acquainted,  to 
whom  he  would  have  entrusted  his  daughter's  happiness 
with  so  much  confidence  as  to  our  reformed  captain. 

A  sharp  double  tap  at  the  street  door  announced  the 
post,  and  in  a  few  minutes  after  this  conversation,  the 


g6  The  King  s  Own 

clerk  appeared  with  a  letter  for  old  Hornblow,  who, 
pursuant  to  the  prudent  custom  of  those  days,  had  his 
counting-house  on  the  ground-floor  of  his  own  residence, 
which  enabled  him  to  go  to  his  dinner,  and  return  to  his 
business  in  the  evening.  Now-a-days  we  are  all  above 
our  business,  and  live  above  our  means  (which  is  in  itself 
sufficient  to  account  for  the  general  distress  that  is  com- 
plained of) ;  and  the  counting-house  is  deserted  before 
dusk,  that  we  may  arrive  at  our  residences  in  Russel 
Square,  or  the  Regent's  Park,  in  time  to  dress  for  a  turtle 
dinner  at  six  o'clock,  instead  of  a  mutton  chop,  or  single 
joint  enfamille,  at  two. 

But  to  return.  Old  Hornblow  put  on  his  spectacles 
(which  were  on  the  table  since  they  had  been  removed 
from  his  nose  by  Susan  when  she  kissed  him),  and 
examined  the  post-mark,  seal,  and  superscription,  as  if  he 
wished  to  tax  his  ingenuity  with  a  guess  previously  to 
opening  the  letter,  which  would  have  saved  him  all  that 
trouble,  and  have  decided  the  point  of  scrutiny,  viz.,  from 
whom  it  came. 

"  M^Elvina,  I  rather  think,"  said  he,  musing ;  **  but  the 
post-mark  is  Plymouth.  How  the  deuce ! — "  The  two 
first  lines  of  the  letter  were  read,  and  the  old  man's 
countenance  fell.  Susan,  who  had  been  all  alive  at  the 
mention  of  M^Elvina's  name,  perceived  the  alteration  in 
her  father's  looks. 

**  No  bad  news,  I  hope,  my  dear  father  ? " 

"  Bad  enough,"  replied  the  old  man,  with  a  deep  sigh ; 
*'  the  lugger  is  taken  by  a  frigate,  and  sent  into 
Plymouth." 

"  And  Captain  M'Elvina — he's  not  hurt,  I  hope  ?  " 

**  No,  I  presume  not,  as  he  has  written  the  letter,  and 
says  nothing  about  it." 

Satisfied  upon  this  point,  Susan,  who  recollected  her 
father's  premise,  was  undutiful  enough,  we  are  sorry  to 
say,  to  allow  her  heart  to  bound  with  joy  at  the  circum- 
stance. All  her  fond  hopes  were  about  to  be  realised,  and 
she  could  hardly  refrain  from  carolling  the  words  of  Ariel, 


The  King's  Own  97 

**  Where  the  bee  sucks,  there  lurk  I,"  but  fortunately  she 
remembered  that  other  parties  might  not  exactly  participate 
in  her  delight.  Out  of  respect  for  her  father's  feelings, 
she  therefore  put  on  a  grave  countenance,  in  sad  contrast 
with  her  eyes,  which  joy  had  brilliantly  lighted  up. 

**  Well,  it's  a  bad  business,"  continued  old  Hornblow. 
"  Wilmott !  "  (The  clerk  heard  his  master's  voice,  and 
came  in.)  "  Bring  me  the  ledger.  Let  me  see — Belle 
Suzamie — I  wonder  why  the  fool  called  her  by  that  name, 
as  if  I  had  not  one  already  to  take  money  out  of  my 
pocket.  Oh!  here  it  is — folio  59  continued,  folio  100, 
129,  147, — not  balanced  since  April  last  year.  Be  quick, 
and  strike  me  out  a  rough  balance-sheet  of  the  lugger." 

"  But  what  does  Captain  M'Elvina  say,  father  ?  " 

"  What  does  he  say  ?  Why,  that  he  is  taken.  Haven't 
I  told  you  so  already,  girl  ? "  replied  old  Hornblow,  in 
evident  ill  humour. 

*«  Yes,  but  the  particulars,  my  dear  father  ?  " 

**  Oh,  there's  only  the  fact,  without  particulars — says 
he  will  write  more  fully  in  a  day  or  two." 

"  I'll  answer  for  him,  that  it  was  not  his  fault,  father — 
he  has  always  done  you  justice." 

"  I  did  not  say  that  he  had  not ;  I'm  only  afraid  that 
success  has  made  him  careless — it's  always  the  case." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Susan,  taking  up  the  right  cue ;  "  as 
you  say,  father,  he  has  been  very  successful." 

"  He  has,"  replied  the  old  man,  recovering  his  serenity 
a  little,  "  very  successful  indeed.  I  dare  say  it  was  not  his 
fault." 

The  clerk  soon  made  his  appearance  with  the  rough 
balance-sheet  required.  It  did  more  to  restore  the  good 
humour  of  the  old  man,  than  even  the  soothing  of  his 
daughter. 

"  Oh  !    here   we   are — La   Belle   Suzanne — Dr.   to , 

Total,  ^^14,864,  14s.  3d.  Contra— Cr.  ^^27,986,  ids.  8d. 
Balance  to  profit  and  loss,  ^T 13, 1 2 2,  2s.  5d.  Well,  that's 
not  so  very  bad  in  less  than  three  years.  I  think  I  may 
afford  to  lose  her." 


98  The  King's  Own 

"  Why,  father,"  replied  Susan,  leaning  over  his  shoulder, 
and  looking  archly  at  him,  "  'tis  a  fortune  in  itself,  to  a 
contented  person." 

But  as,  independently  of  M^Elvina's  letter  not  being 
sufficiently  explicit,  there  are  other  circumstances  con- 
nected with  his  capture,  that  are  important  to  our  history, 
we  shall  ourselves  narrate  the  particulars. 

For  more  than  two  years,  M'Elvina,  by  his  dexterity 
and  courage,  and  the  fast  sailing  of  his  vessel,  had  escaped 
all  his  pursuers,  and  regularly  landed  his  cargoes.  During 
this  time,  Willy  had  made  rapid  progress  under  his  in- 
struction, not  only  in  his  general  education,  but  also  in  that 
of  his  profession.  One  morning  the  lugger  was  off  Cape 
Clear,  on  the  cor,st  of  Ireland,  when  she  discovered  a 
frigate  to  windward, — the  wind,  weather,  and  relative 
situations  of  the  two  vessels  being  much  the  same  as  on 
the  former  occasion,  when  M*Elvina,  by  his  daring  and 
judicious  manoeuvre,  had  effected  his  escape.  The  frigate 
chased,  and  soon  closed  to  within  a  quarter-of-a-mile  of 
the  lugger,  when  she  rounded-to,  and  poured  in  a  broad- 
side of  grape,  which  brought  her  fore-yard  down  on  deck. 
From  that  moment  such  an  incessant  fire  of  musketry 
was  poured  in  from  the  frigate,  that  every  man  on  board 
of  M*Elvina's  vessel,  who  endeavoured  to  repair  the 
mischief,  was  immediately  struck  down.  Any  attempt  at 
escape  was  now  hopeless.  When  within  two  cables' 
lengths,  the  frigate  hove-to  the  wind,  keeping  the  lugger 
under  her  lee,  and  continued  a  fire  of  grape  and  musketry 
into  her,  until  the  rest  of  her  sails  were  lowered  down. 

The  crew  of  the  smuggler,  perceiving  all  chance  in  their 
favour  to  be  over,  ran  down  below  to  avoid  the  fire,  and 
secure  their  own  effects.  The  boats  of  the  frigate  were 
soon  on  board  of  the  lugger,  and  despatched  back  to  her 
with  M*Elvina  and  the  chief  officers.  Willy  jumped  into 
the  boat,  and  was  taken  on  board  with  his  patron. 

The  captain  of  the  frigate  was  on  the  quarter-deck ;  and 
as  he  turned  round,  it  occurred  to  Willy,  that  he  had  seen 
his  face  before,  but  when  or  where  he  could  not  exactly 


The  King's  Own  99 

call  to  mind ;  and  he  continued  to  scrutinise  him,  as  he 
paced  up  and  down  the  quarter-deck,  revolving  in  his 
mind  where  it  was  that  he  had  encountered  that  peculiar 
countenance. 

His  eye,  so  fixed  upon  the  captain  that  it  followed  him 
up  and  down  as  he  moved,  at  last  was  met  by  that  of  the 
latter,  who,  surprised  at  finding  so  small  a  lad  among  the 
prisoners,  walked  over  to  the  lee-side  of  the  quarter-deck, 
and  addressed  him  with — "  You're  but  a  young  smuggler, 
my  lad  ;  are  you  the  captain's  son  ?  '* 

The  voice  immediately  recalled  to  "Willy's  recollection 
every  circumstance  attending  their  last  meeting,  and  who 
the  captain  was.  He  answered  in  the  negative,  with  a 
smile. 

"  You've  a  light  heart,  youngster.  Pray,  what's  your 
name  ?  " 

"  Tou  said  that  my  name  was  to  be  Seymour,  sir," 
replied  Willy,  touching  his  hat. 

"  Said  his  name  was  to  be  Seymour  !  What  does  the 
boy  mean  ? — Good  Heavens  !  I  recollect,"  observed  Cap- 
tain M ,  for  it  was  he.     **  Are  you  the  boy  that  I  sent 

home  in  the  chasse-maree,  to  be  fitted  out  for  the  quarter- 
deck ? " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

**  And  how  long  have  you  been  on  this  praiseworthy 
service  ? " 

"  Ever  since,  sir,"  replied  our  hero,  who  had  little  idea 
of  its  impropriety. 

La  Belle  Suzanne  was  as  renowned  for  her  fast  sailing, 
and  repeated  escapes  from  the  cruisers,  as  Captain 
M'Elvina  and  his  crew  were  for  their  courage  and  success. 
The  capture  of  the  vessel  had  long  been  a  desideratum  of 

the  English  government ;  and  Captain  M ,  although 

gratified  at  her  falling  into  his  hands,  was  not  very  well 
pleased  to  find  that  a  lad,  whom  he  had  intended  to  bring 
forward  in  the  service,  should,  as  he  supposed,  have 
voluntarily  joined  a  party,  who  had  so  long  bid  defiance  to 
the  laws  and  naval  force  of  the  country.     His  countenance 


loo  The  King's  Own 

assumed  an  air  of  displeasure,  and  he  was  about  to  turn 
away,  without  any  further  remarks,  when  M'Elvina,  who 
perceived  how  matters  stood,  and  felt  aware  that  Willy's 
future  prospects  were  at  stake,  stepped  forward,  and 
respectfully  addressing  the  captain,  narrated  in  few  words 
the  rescue  of  "Willy  from  the  wreck,  and  added,  that  the 
boy  had  been  detained  by  him,  and  had  had  no  opportunity 
of  leaving  the  vessel,  which  had  never  anchored  but  in  the 
French  port  of  Havre.  He  also  stated,  what  was  indeed 
true,  that  he  had  always  evaded  explaining  to  the  boy  the 
real  nature  of  the  service  upon  which  the  lugger  was 
employed :  from  which  it  may  be  inferred  that,  notwith- 
standing M'Elvina's  defence  of  smuggling  in  our  former 
chapters,  he  was  not  quite  so  well  convinced,  in  his  own 
mind,  of  its  propriety  as  he  would  have  induced  Debriseau 
to  suppose. 

The  assertions  of  M'Elvina  turned  the  scale  again  in 
Willy's  favour  ;  and,  after  he  had  answered  the  interro- 
gatories of  the  captain,  relative  to  the  fate  of  Mr  Bullock 

and  the  rest  of  the  men  in  the  prize.  Captain  M ,  who, 

although  severe,  was  not  only  just,  but  kind-hearted, 
determined  that  his  former  good  intentions  relative  to 
our  hero  should  still  remain  in  force. 

**Well,  Mr  Seymour,  you  have  seen  a  little  service, 
and  your  captain  gives  you  a  high  character,  as  an  active 
and  clever  lad.  As  you  have  been  detained  against  your 
will,  I  think  we  may  recover  your  time  and  pay.  I  trust, 
however,  that  you  will,  in  future,  be  employed  in  a  more 
honourable  manner.  We  shall,  in  all  probability,  be  soon 
in  port,  and  till  then  you  must  remain  as  you  are,  for  I 
cannot  trust  you  again  in  a  prize." 

As  our  hero  was  in  a  new  ship,  the  officers  and  ship's 
company  of  which  were  not  acquainted  with  his  history, 
except  that  he  had  been  promoted,  for  an  act  of  gallantry, 

by  Captain  M ,  he  was   favourably  received  by  his 

messmates.  The  crew  of  the  lugger  were  detained  as 
prisoners  on  board  of  the  frigate,  and  the  vessel,  in  charge 
of  one   of  the  officers,   was  ordered   to  keep  company. 


The  King's  Own  loi 

Captain  M having  determined  to  return  into  port,  and 

not  wishing  to  lose  sight  of  his  valuable  prize. 

**  You    have    a    very    fine     ship's    company,    Captain 

M*Elvina,"  observed   Captain  M .     **How   many  of 

them  are  English  ?  " 

"  About  eighty ;  and  as  good  seamen  as  ever  walked 
a  plank." 

Captain  M ordered  the  crew  of  the  lugger  aft  on 

the  quarter-deck,  and  put  the  question  to  them  whether 
they  would  not  prefer  entering  into  his  Majesty's  service 
to  the  confinement  of  a  prison  ;  but,  at  the  moment,  they 
felt  too  indignant  at  having  been  captured  by  the  frigate 
to  listen  to  the  proposal,  and  refused  to  a  man.     Captain 

M turned  away  disappointed,  surveying  the  fine  body 

of  men  with  a  covetous  eye,  as  they  were  ranged  in  a 
line  on  his  quarter-deck.  He  felt  what  a  prize  they 
would  be  to  him,  if  he  could  have  added  them  to  his 
own  ship's  company  ;  for  at  that  time  it  was  almost  im- 
possible to  man  the  number  of  ships  which  were  em- 
ployed, in  an  effective  manner. 

"Will  you  allow  me  to  try  what  I  can  do  for  you, 
sir  ? "  said  M'Elvina,  as  the  men  disappeared  from  the 
quarter-deck,  to  their  former  station  as  prisoners.     Having 

received  the  nod  of  assent  on  the  part  of  Captain  M , 

M*Elvina  went  down  to  the  men,  who  gathered  round 
him.  He  forcibly  pointed  out  to  them  the  advantages 
of  the  proposal,  and  the  good  chance  they  had  of  enrich- 
ing themselves,  by  the  prize-money  they  would  make  in 
a  frigate  which  could  capture  such  a  fast-sailing  vessel 
as  the  lugger.  He  also  dwelt  upon  the  misery  of  the 
prison  which  awaited  them  :  but  what  decided  them  was 
the  observation  that,  in  all  probability,  they  would  not 
be  permitted  (now  that  seamen  were  in  such  request)  to 
remain  in  prison,  but  would  be  drafted  into  several  ships, 
and  be  separated ;  whereas,  by  now  entering  for  Captain 
M ,  they  would  all  remain  shipmates  as  before. 

Having  obtained  their  unanimous  consent,  M'Elvina, 
with   a  pleased  countenance,  came  aft,  followed  by  his 


I02  The  King's  Own 

men,  and  informed  Captain  M that  they  had  agreed 

to  enter  for  his  ship.  "  Allow  me  to  congratulate  you, 
sir,  on  your  good  fortune,  as  you  will  yourself  acknowledge 
it  to  be,  when  you  find  out  what  an  addition  they  will 
be  to  your  ship's  company." 

**  I   am   indebted   to   you   for  your   interference,  sir," 

replied  Captain  M ,  "  and  shall  not  prove  ungrateful. 

Your  conduct  in  this  affair  makes  me  inclined  to  ask 
another  favour.  I  believe  you  can  give  me  some  valuable 
information,  if  you  choose.  Whether  you  are  inclined  to 
do  so,  I  am  not  yet  sure  ;  but  I  now  think  that  you 
will." 

"  You  will  find  me  an  Englishman,  body  and  soul, 
sir ;  and  although  I  have,  in  defence  of  my  profession, 
been  occasionally  necessitated  to  choose  between  capture 
and  resistance,  I  can  most  conscientiously  say,  that  every 
shot  I  have  fired  against  my  own  countrymen  has  smitten 
me  to  the  heart ; "  (and  this  assertion  was  true,  although 
we  have  no  time  to  analyse  M'Elvina's  feelings  at  present). 
"I  am  not  bound  by  honour,  nor  have  I  the  least  in- 
clination, to  conceal  any  information  I  may  have  obtained, 
when  in  the  French  ports.  I  went  there  to  serve  my 
purposes,  and  they  allowed  me  to  do  so  to  serve  their 
own.  I  never  would  (although  repeatedly  offered  bribes) 
bring  them  any  information  relative  to  the  proceedings 
of  our  own  country,  and  I  shall  most  cheerfully  answer 
your  questions  ;  indeed,  I  have  information  which  I  would 
have  given  you  before  now,  had  I  not  felt  that  it  might 
be  supposed  I  was  actuated  more  by  a  view  of  serving 

myself  than  my  country.     I  only  wish.  Captain  M , 

that  you  may  fall  in  with  a  French  frigate  before  I  leave 
your  ship,  that  I  may  prove  to  you  that  I  can  fight  as 
well  for  old  England  as  I  have  done  in  defence  of 
property  entrusted  to  my  charge." 

"  Then  do  me  the  favour  to  step  down  into  the  cabin," 
said  Captain  M . 

Captain  M and  M'Elvina  were  shut  up  in  the  after- 
cabin  for   some  time;    and  the  information   received   by 


The  King's  Own  103 

Captain  M was  so  important,  that  he  determined  not 

to  anchor.  He  put  all  the  French  prisoners  on  board 
of  the  lugger  at  the  entrance  of  the  Sound,  and,  sending 
in  a  boat  to  take  out  the  major  part  of  the  men  who  had 
charge  of  her,  he  retained  M'Elvina  on  board  of  the 
frigate,  and  made  all  sail  for  the  French  coast. 


Chapter  XV 

That  which  should  accompany  old  age, 

As  honour,  love,  obedience,  troops  of  friends 

I  must  not  look  to  have  ! 

Shakespeare. 

But  we  must  return  on  shore,  that  we  may  not  lose 
sight  of  the  grandfather  of  our  hero,  who  had  no  idea 
that  there  was  a  being  in  existence  who  was  so  nearly- 
connected  with  him. 

The  time  had  come  when  that  information  was  to  be 
given ;  for,  about  six  weeks  previously  to  the  action  we 
have  described,  in  which  Adams  the  quarter-master  was 
killed.  Admiral  De  Courcy  was  attacked  by  a  painful  and 
mortal  disease.  As  long  as  he  was  able  to  move  about,  his 
irritability  of  temper,  increased  by  suffering,  rendered  him 
more  insupportable  than  ever  ;  but  he  was  soon  confined  to 
his  room,  and  the  progress  of  the  disease  became  so  rapid, 
that  the  medical  attendants  considered  it  their  duty  to 
apprise  him  that  all  hopes  of  recovery  must  now  be 
abandoned,  and  that  he  must  prepare  himself  for  the  worst. 

The  admiral  received  the  intelligence  with  apparent 
composure,  and  bowed  his  head  to  the  physicians  as  they 
quitted  his  room.  He  was  alone,  and  left  to  his  own 
reflections,  which  were  not  of  the  most  enviable  nature. 
He  was  seated,  propped  up  in  an  easy  chair,  opposite  the 
large  French  window,  which  commanded  a  view  of  the 
park.  The  sun  was  setting,  and  the  long  extended 
shadows  of  the  magnificent  trees  which  adorned  his  ex- 
tensive domain  were  in  beautiful  contrast  with  the  gleams 


I04  The  King's  Own 

of  radiant  light,  darting  in  long  streaks  between  them  on 
the  luxuriant  herbage.  The  cattle,  quietly  standing  in  the 
lake,  were  refreshing  themselves  after  the  heat  of  the  day, 
and  the  deer  lay  in  groups  under  the  shade,  or  crouched 
in  their  lairs,  partly  concealed  by  the  underwood  and  fern. 
All  was  in  repose  and  beauty,  and  the  dying  man  watched 
the  sun,  as  it  fast  descended  to  the  horizon,  as  em- 
blematical of  his  race,  so  shortly  to  be  sped.  He  surveyed 
the  groups  before  him — he  envied  even  the  beasts  of  the 
field,  and  the  reclaimed  tenants  of  the  forest,  for  they  at  least 
had  of  their  kind,  with  whom  they  could  associate ;  but  he, 
their  lord  and  master,  was  alone — alone  in  the  world,  without 
one  who  loved  or  cared  for  him,  without  one  to  sympathise 
in  his  suiferings  and  administer  to  his  wants,  except  from 
interested  motives — without  one  to  soothe  his  anguish,  and 
soften  the  pillow  of  affliction  and  disease — without  one  to 
close  his  eyes,  or  shed  a  tear,  now  that  he  was  dying. 

His  thoughts  naturally  reverted  to  his  wife  and  children. 
He  knew  that  two  of  these  individuals,  out  of  three,  were 
in  the  cold  grave — and  where  was  the  other?  The  certain 
approach  of  death  had  already  humanised  and  softened  his 
flinty  heart.  The  veil,  that  had  been  drawn  by  passion 
between  his  conscience  and  his  guilt,  was  torn  away. 
The  past  rushed  upon  his  memory  with  dreadful  rapidity 
and  truth,  and  horrible  conviction  flashed  upon  his  soul, 
as  he  unwillingly  acknowledged  himself  to  be  the  murderer 
of  his  wife  and  child.  Remorse,  as  usual,  followed, 
treading  upon  the  heels  of  conviction — such  remorse,  that, 
in  a  short  space,  the  agony  became  insupportable. 

After  an  ineflectual  struggle  of  pride,  he  seized  the 
line  which  was  attached  to  the  bell-rope,  and,  when  his 
summons  was  obeyed,  desired  that  the  vicar  might  be 
immediately  requested  to  come  to  him. 

Acquainted  with  the  admiral's  situation,  the  vicar  had 
anxiously  waited  the  summons  which  he  was  but  too  well 
aware  would  come,  for  he  knew  the  human  heart,  and  the 
cry  for  aid  which  the  sinner  in  his  fear  sends  forth.  He 
was  soon  in  the  presence  of  the  admiral,  for  the  first  time 


The  King's  Own  105 

since  the  day  that  he  quitted  the  house  with  the  letter  of 
the  unfortunate  Peters  in  his  possession.  The  conversa- 
tion which  ensued,  between  the  agitated  man,  who  had 
existed  only  for  this  world,  and  the  placid  teacher,  who 
had  considered  it  (as  he  inculcated)  as  only  a  preparation 
for  a  better,  was  too  long  to  be  here  inserted.  It  will  be 
sufficient  to  say,  that  the  humbled  and  terrified  wretch, 
the  sufferer  from  disease,  and  greater  sufferer  from  remorse, 
never  could  have  been  identified  with  the  once  proud  and 
overbearing  mortal,  who  had  so  long  spurned  at  the 
precepts  of  religion,  and  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  the  mild 
persuasions  of  its  apostle. 

"But  that  letter  !  "  continued  the  admiral  in  a  faltering 
voice — "  what  was  it  ?  I  have  yet  one  child  alive — Oh, 
send  immediately  for  him,  and  let  me  implore  his  forgive- 
ness for  my  cruelty." 

"  That  letter,  sir,  was  written  but  one  hour  previously 
to  his  death." 

"  His  death  !  "  cried  the  admiral,  turning  his  eyes  up  to 
the  ceiling.  "  God  have  mercy  on  me !  then  I  have 
murdered  him  also.  And  how  did  he  die  ?  Did  he 
starve,  as  I  expressed  in  my  horrid — horrid  wish  ?  " 

"  No,  sir ;  his  life  was  forfeited  to  the  offended  laws  of 
his  country." 

"  Good  God,  sir  ! "  hastily  replied  the  admiral,  whose 
ruling  passion,  pride,  returned  for  the  moment;  "you  do 
not  mean  to  say  that  he  was  hanged  ? " 

"  Even  so  ;  but  here  is  the  letter  which  he  wrote — read 
it." 

The  admiral  seized  the  letter  in  his  tremulous  hand,  and 
devoured  every  word  as  he  perused  it.  He  let  it  fall  on 
his  knees,  and  said,  in  a  subdued  voice — "My  God — my 
God  ! — and  he  asked  forgiveness,  and  forgives  me !  " 
Then,  with  frantic  exclamation,  he  continued,  "Wretch 
that  I  am, — would  that  I  had  died  for  thee,  my  son — my 
son  !  "  and  clasping  his  hands  over  his  head,  he  fell  back 
in  a  state  of  insensibility. 

The  vicar,  much  affected  with  the  scene,  rang  the  bell 


io6  The  King's  Own 

for  assistance,  which  was  obtained  ;  but  the  wretched  man 
had  received  a  shock  which  hastened  his  dissolution.  He 
was  too  much  exhausted  to  sit  upright,  and  they  were 
obliged  to  carry  him  to  the  bed,  from  which  he  never  rose 
again.  As  soon  as  he  was  sufficiently  recovered  to  be  able 
to  converse,  he  waved  the  servants  from  the  room,  and 
resumed,  in  a  faltering  voice— 

**  But,  sir,  he  mentions  his  child — my  grandchild.  Where 
is  he  ?     Can  I  see  him  ?  " 

"  I  am  afraid  not,  sir,"  replied  the  vicar,  who  then  entered 
into  a  recital  of  the  arrangements  which  had  taken  place,  and 
the  name  of  the  ship  on  board  of  which  our  hero  had  been 
permitted  to  remain,  under  the  charge  of  Adams,  the 
quarter-master. 

The  admiral  listened  to  the  recital  of  the  vicar  without 
interruption ;  and,  as  soon  as  it  was  finished,  to  the  great 
joy  of  the  worthy  pastor,  expressed  the  most  anxious  wish 
to  make  every  reparation  in  his  power.  Aware  that  diffi- 
culties might  arise  from  the  circumstance  of  our  hero's 
existence  not  being  suspected  by  his  collateral  heirs,  who 
had  for  some  time  considered  as  certain  their  ultimate 
possession  of  his  large  entailed  property,  he  directed  a  will 
to  be  immediately  drawn  up,  acknowledging  his  grandchild, 
and  leaving  to  him  all  his  personal  property,  which  was 
very  considerable ;  and  praying  the  vicar  to  take  upon 
himself  the  office  of  guardian  to  the  boy, — a  request 
which  was  cheerfully  complied  with.  The  admiral  would 
not  listen  to  the  repeated  requests  of  the  vicar,  to  take  the 
repose  which  his  excited  and  sinking  frame  required,  until 
the  necessary  document  had  been  drawn  out,  signed,  and 
duly  witnessed.  When  all  was  complete,  he  fell  back  on 
the  pillow,  in  such  a  state  of  exhaustion  as  threatened 
immediately  to  terminate  his  career.  It  was  late  when  the 
vicar  took  his  leave,  after  having  administered  some  little 
consolation  to  the  repentant  and  dying  man,  and  promised 
to  call  upon  him  early  on  the  ensuing  morning. 

But  the  vicar  had  other  duties  to  perform,  which  induced 
him  to  defer  his  visit  until  the  following  noon.     Others 


The  King's  Own  107 

were  sick,  others  were  dying,  and  needed  spiritual 
consolation ;  and  he  made  no  distinction  between  the  rich 
and  the  poor.  The  physicians  had  expressed  their  opinion 
that  the  admiral  might  linger  for  many  days,  and  the 
vicar  thought  that  advantage  might  be  derived  from  his 
being  left  for  a  short  time  to  his  own  reflections,  and  to 
recover  from  the  state  of  exhaustion  arising  from  the  com- 
munications of  the  preceding  evening.  When  he  arrived 
at  the  hall,  the  windows  were  closed — Admiral  De  Courcy 
was  no  more. 

Reader,  you  shall  hear  how  he  died.  It  was  about  two 
o'clock  in  the  morning  that  he  awoke  from  an  uneasy 
slumber,  and  felt  his  end  approaching.  The  old  crone  who 
had  been  hired  as  a  nurse  to  watch  at  night,  was  fast 
asleep  in  her  chair.  The  rushlight  had  burned  low  down 
in  the  socket,  and,  through  the  interstices  of  its  pierced 
shade,  threw  a  feeble  and  alternate  light  and  shadow  over 
the  room.  The  mouth  of  the  dying  man  was  glued 
together  from  internal  heat,  and  he  suffered  from  agonising 
thirst.  He  murmured  for  relief,  but  no  one  answered. 
Again  and  again  he  attempted  to  make  his  careless  attend- 
ant acquainted  with  his  wants,  but  in  vain.  He  stretched 
out  his  arm  and  moved  the  curtains  of  the  bed,  that  the 
noise  of  the  curtain-rings  upon  the  iron  rods  might  have 
the  effect,  and  then  fell  back  with  exhaustion,  arising  from 
the  effort  which  he  had  made. 

The  old  beldam,  who,  for  money,  was  willing  to 
undertake  the  most  revolting  offices,  and  who,  without 
remuneration,  was  so  hardened,  by  her  constant  familiarity 
with  disease  and  death,  that  she  was  callous  and  insensible 
to  the  most  earnest  supplication,  woke  up  at  the  noise 
which  the  curtain-rings  had  made,  and  opened  the  curtain 
to  ascertain  what  was  required.  Long  experience  told  her 
at  once  that  all  would  soon  be  over,  and  she  was  convinced 
that  her  charge  would  never  rise  or  speak  again. 

This  was  true  J  but  the  suffering  man  (his  arm  lying 
outside  of  the  bed-clothes,  and  his  elbow  bent  upwards) 
still  pointed  with  his  finger  to  his  parched  mouth,  with  a 


io8  The  King's  Own 

look  of  entreaty  from  his  sinking  eyes.  The  old  fiend 
shut  the  curtains,  and  the  admiral  waited  with  impatience 
for  them  to  reopen  with  a  drop  of  water  "  to  cool  his 
parched  tongue  " — but  in  vain.  Leaving  him  to  his  fate, 
she  hobbled  about  the  room  to  secure  a  golden  harvest, 
before  others  should  make  their  appearance,  and  share  it 
with  her.  His  purse  was  on  the  table  :  she  removed  the 
gold  which  it  contained,  and  left  the  silver ;  she  chose  that 
which  she  imagined  to  be  the  most  valuable  of  the  three 
rings  on  the  dressing  table  ;  she  detached  one  seal  from  the 
chain  of  his  watch.  She  then  repaired  to  the  wardrobe, 
and  examined  its  contents.  One  of  her  capacious  pockets 
were  soon  filled  with  the  finest  cambric  handkerchiefs,  all 
of  which  she  first  took  the  precaution  to  open,  and  hold  up 
to  the  light  rejecting  those  which  were  not  of  the  finest 
texture.  The  silk  stockings  were  the  next  articles  that 
were  coveted;  they  were  unfolded  one  by  one,  and  her 
skinny  arm  passed  up,  that  the  feet  might  be  extended  by 
her  shrivelled  hands,  to  ascertain  whether  they  were 
darned  or  not — if  so,  they  were  rejected. 

The  wardrobe  was  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  bed ;  and 
on  that  side  the  curtains  had  not  been  closed.  The  dying 
man  had  still  enough  sight  left  to  perceive  the  employment 
of  his  attendant.  What  must  have  been  his  feelings  !  He 
uttered  a  deep  groan,  which  startled  the  old  hag,  and  she 
repaired  to  the  bed-side,  to  examine  the  state  of  her  charge. 

Again  he  pointed  with  his  finger  to  his  mouth — and  again 
she  returned  to  her  employment,  without  having  rendered 
the  assistance  which  he  required.  His  eyes  followed — and 
his  finger  still  pointed.  Having  ransacked  every  drawer, 
and  secured  all  that  she  dared  take,  or  that  her  pockets 
could  contain,  she  rang  the  bell  for  the  servants  of  the 
house ;  then  pulling  out  her  handkerchief,  ready  to  put  to 
her  eyes  in  token  of  sympathy,  she  sat  down  on  her  easy 
chair,  to  await  their  coming. 

In  the  meanwhile,  the  eyes  of  the  unfortunate  man 
gradually  turned  upward  ;  his  vision  was  gone,  but  his 
agonising    thirst   continued   to   the   last ;    and   when   the 


The  King's  Own  109 

retainers  of  the  family  came  in,  he  was  found  dead,  with 
his  finger  still  pointing  in  the  same  direction. 

With  ordinary  minds,  there  is  something  so  terrible  in 
death,  something  so  awful  in  the  dissolution  of  the  elements 
of  our  frame,  something  so  horrible  in  the  leap  into  the 
dark  abyss,  that  it  requires  all  the  powers  of  a  fortified 
spirit,  all  the  encouragement  of  a  good  conscience,  and  all 
the  consolations  of  religion  and  of  faith,  to  enable  us  to 
muster  any  degree  of  resolution  for  the  awful  change.  But 
if  aught  can  smooth  the  pillow, — can  chase  away  from  the 
terrified  spirit  the  doubt  and  depression  by  which  it  is 
overwhelmed,  it  is  the  being  surrounded  and  attended  by 
those  who  are  devoted  and  endeared  to  us.  When  love, 
and  duty,  and  charity,  and  sympathy  hover  round  the 
couch  of  the  departing,  fainting  hope  is  supported  by  their 
presence,  and  the  fleeting  spirit,  directed  by  them,  looks 
upward  to  the  realms  from  which  these  heaven-born 
passions  have  been  permitted  to  descend  on  earth,  to  cheer 
us  through  our  weary  pilgrimage. 

What  then  had  Admiral  De  Courcy  to  support  him  in 
his  last  moments  ? — A  good  conscience  ? — faith  ? — hope  ? 
— love  ? — duty  ? — or  even  sympathy  ? — Wanting  all,  he 
breathed  his  last.     But,  let  us 

"  Forbear  to  judge,  for  we  are  sinners  all ; 
Close  up  his  eyes,  and  draw  the  curtains  close, 
And  let  us  all  to  meditation." 

The  vicar  affixed  seals  upon  the  drawers,  to  secure  the 
remainder  of  the  property  (for  the  example  of  the  old 
nurse  had  been  followed  by  many  others),  and,  having 
given  directions  for  the  funeral,  returned  to  his  own  home. 

The  second  day  after  the  admiral's  death,  a  carriage  and 
four  drove  furiously  up  the  avenue,  and  stopped  at  the 
entrance  door.  The  occupants  descended,  and  rang  the 
bell  with  an  air  of  authority  ;  the  summons  was  answered 
by  several  of  the  male  domestics,  who  were  anxiously 
looking  out  for  the  new  proprietor  of  the  domain.  A  tall 
man,  of  very  gentlemanlike  appearance,  followed  by  a  mean- 


no  The  King's  Own 

looking  personage  in  black,  walked  in,  the  latter,  as  he 
followed,  proclaiming  the  other  to  the  servants  as  the 
heir-at-law,  and  present  owner  of  the  property.  By  this 
time  the  whole  household  were  assembled,  lining  the  hall 
for  the  visitors  to  pass,  and  bowing  and  curtseying  to  the 
ground.  The  vicar,  who  had  expected  the  appearance  of 
these  parties,  had  left  directions  that  he  might  be  im- 
mediately acquainted  with  their  arrival.  On  receipt  of  the 
information,  he  proceeded  to  the  hall,  and  was  ushered  into 
the  library,  where  he  found  them  anxiously  awaiting  his 
arrival,  that  the  seals  might  be  withdrawn  which  had  been 
placed  upon  the  drawers. 

"  Whom  have  I  the  honour  of  addressing,  sir  ? "  said  the 
vicar  to  the  taller  of  the  two,  whom  he  presumed,  by  his 
appearance,  to  be  the  superior. 

"  Sir,"  replied  the  little  man,  in  a  pompous  manner, 
"you  are  speaking  to  Mr  Rainscourt,  the  heir-at-law  of 
this  entailed  property." 

"  I  am  sorry,  truly  sorry,  sir,"  replied  the  vicar,  "  that 
from  not  having  been  well  informed,  you  should  be  sub- 
jected to  such  severe  disappointment.  I  am  afraid,  sir,  that 
the  grandchild  of  Admiral  De  Courcy  will  have  a  prior  claim." 

The  two  parties  started  from  their  chairs,  and  looked  at 
each  other  in  amazement. 

"  The  grandchild  !  "  replied  the  little  man — "  never  even 
heard  that  there  was  such  a  person." 

"Very  probably,  sir;  but  I  have  long  known  it,  and  so 
did  Admiral  De  Courcy,  as  you  will  perceive  when  you 
read  his  will,  which  is  in  my  possession,  as  guardian  to  the 
child — and  upon  the  strength  of  which  office  I  have  put 
seals  upon  the  property." 

The  parties  looked  aghast. 

**  We  must  inquire  into  this,"  replied  the  legal  adviser, 
for  such  he  was. 

"I  am  ready  to  give  you  any  information  you  may 
require,"  replied  the  vicar.  "I  have  here  copies  of  the 
marriage  certificate  of  the  parents,  and  the  register  of  bap- 
tism of  the  child,  the  originals  of  which  you  will  find  in  the 


The  King's  Own  iii 

parish  church  of ,  not  five  miles  distant ;  and  I  can  most 

satisfactorily  prove  his  identity,  should  that  be  necessary." 

**  And  where  is  the  grandchild  ? " 

"At  sea,  on  board  a  man-of-war,  at  the  dying  request 
of  his  father,  who  determined  that  he  should  be  brought 
up  for  the  service.  Would  you  like  to  see  the  late 
admiral's  will  ?  " 

The  tall  gentleman  bowed  assent,  and  it  was  read. 
Having  been  carefully  examined  by  the  lawyer,  as  well  as 
the  other  documents  in  the  vicar's  possession,  all  appeared 
so  clear  and  conclusive,  that  he  unwillingly  acknowledged 
to  his  employor,  in  a  whisper,  that  there  was  no  chance  of 
setting  the  will  aside.  Pallid  with  the  revulsion  of  feelings 
from  hope  to  despair,  the  pretender  to  the  estates  ordered 
the  horses  to  be  brought  out,  and,  on  their  being  announced, 
with  a  slight  bow  to  the  vicar,  retired  from  the  library. 

But  outside,  the  state  of  affairs  was  altered,  by  the 
servants  having  overheard  the  conversation.  No  one  was 
attentive  enough  to  open  the  door  to  let  out  those  whom 
they  had  so  obsequiously  admitted :  and  one  of  the  posti- 
lions was  obliged  to  dismount,  to  shut  up  the  chaise  after 
they  had  entered  it.  Such  is  the  deference  shown  respec- 
tively to  those  who  are,  or  are  not,  the  real  heirs-at-law. 


Chapter  XVI 

On  deck  five  hundred  men  did  dance, 
The  stoutest  they  could  find  in  France. 
We  with  two  hundred  did  advance, 

On  board  of  the  Arethusa. 
Our  captain  hailed  the  Frenchman  «  ho  1  " 
The  Frenchman  then  cried  out  "hallo  I  " 

"  Bear  down,  d'ye  see, 

To  our  Admiral's  lee ; " 
"  No,  no,"  said  the  Frenchman,  "  that  can't  be ;" 
"  Then  I  must  lug  you  along  with  me," 

Says  the  saucy  Arethusa. 

Sea  Song, 

The  information  received  from  M'Elvina,  which  induced 
Captain  M not  to  anchor,  was  relative  to  a  French 


1 1 2  The  King's  Own 

frigate  of  the  largest  class,  that  he  had  great  hopes  of 
falling  in  with.  She  was  lying  in  the  harbour  of  Brest, 
waiting  for  a  detachment  of  troops  which  had  been  ordered 
to  embark,  when  she  was  to  sail  for  Rochefort,  to  join 
a  squadron  intended  to  make  a  descent  upon  some  of  our 
colonies.  Previously  to  M'Elvina's  sailing  from  the  port 
of  Havre,  the  prefect  of  that  arrondissement  had  issued 
directions  for  certain  detachments  to  march  on  a  stated 
day  to  complete  the  number  of  troops  ordered  on  board. 

M'Elvina  had  sure  data  from  which  to  calculate  as  to 
the  exact  period  of  embarkation,  and  was  also  aware  that 
the  frigate  had  orders  to  sail  to  the  port  of  rendezvous 
the  first  favourable  wind  after  the  embarkation  had  taken 
place.     In  two  days  the  Aspasia,  for  that  was  the  name 

of  the   frigate  commanded   by  Captain   M ,  was  off* 

Ushant,  and  the  captain,  taking  the  precaution  to  keep 
well  off  the  land  during  the  day  time,  only  running  in 
to  make  the  lights  after  dark,  retained  his  position  off 
that  island  until  the  wind  shifted  to  the  northward :  he 
then  shaped  a  course  so  as  to  fall  in  with  the  Frencli 
coast  about  thirty  miles  to  the  southward  of  the  harbour 

of  Brest.     It  was  still  dark,  when  Captain  M ,  having 

run  his  distance,  shortened  sail,  and  hove-to  in  the  cruising 
ground  which  M^Elvina  had  recommended ,  and  so  correct 
was  the  calculation,  as  well  as  the  information  of  the 
captain  of  the  smugglers,  that  at  daybreak,  as  the  frigate 
lay  with  her  head  inshore,  with  the  wind  at  N.N.W., 
a  large  vessel  was  descried  under  the  land,  a  little  on 
her  weatherbow.  After  severely  scrutinising  the  stranger 
for  some  minutes  with  his  glass,  which  he  now  handed 
to  M'Elvina — 

"  That's  she,  indeed,  I  believe,"  said  Captain  M . 

<*A  large  frigate,  with  studding-sails  set,  standing 
across  our  bows,"  cried  out  the  first  lieutenant,  from  the 
mast-head. 

"  She'll  try  for  the  Passage  du  Raz ;  we  must  cut  her 
off,  if  we  can.     Hands,  make  sail." 

The  hands  were  summoned  up  by  the  shrill  pipe  of  the 


The  King's  Own  1 1 3 

boatswain  and  his  mates  ;  but  it  was  quite  unnecessary, 
as  the  men  had  already  crowded  on  deck  upon  the  first 
report  which  had  been  communicated  below,  and  were 
in  clusters  on  the  forecastle  and  gangways. 

"Topmen,  aloft!  loose  top-gallant  sails  and  royals — 
clear  away  the  flying-jib,"  were  orders  that  were  hardly 
out  of  the  mouth  of  the  first  lieutenant,  breathless  with 
his  rapid  descent  from  aloft,  when  the  gaskets  were  off, 
and  the  sails  hung  fluttering  from  the  yards.  In  another 
minute  the  sheets  were  home,  the  sails  hoisted  and  trimmed, 
and  the  Aspasia  darted  through  the  yielding  waves,  as 
if  the  eagerness  of  pursuit  which  quickened  the  pulses 
of  her  crew  had  been  communicated  from  them  like  an 
electric  shock  to  her  own  frame,  and  she  were  conscious 
that  her  country  demanded  her  best  exertions. 

*'Pipe    the   hammocks   up,   Mr   Hardy,"    said   Captain 

M •  to  the  first  lieutenant ;  "  when  they  are  stowed 

we  will  beat  to  quarters." 

"  Ay,  ay,  sir.  Shall  we  order  the  fire  out  in  the 
galley  ? " 

**When  the  cocoa  is  ready,  not  before — there  will  be 
plenty  of  time  for  the  people  to  get  their  breakfast. 
How  does  the  land  bear,  Mr  Pearce  }  " 

"  Saint  Island  about  S.E.  by  S.  eight  or  nine  miles, 
sir,"  replied  the  master. 

"If  so,  I  think  we  shall  cut  him  off,  and  then  *  fight 
he  must.' " 

Both  frigates  had  hoisted  their  colours  in  defiance,  and 
as  they  were  steering  for  the  same  point,  they  neared 
each  other  fast.  The  French  vessel,  with  his  starboard 
studding-sails,  running  for  the  entrance  of  the  narrow 
passage,  which  he  hoped  to  gain,  and  the  Aspasia  close- 
hauled  to  intercept  him,  and  at  the  same  time  to  avoid 
the  dangerous  rocks  to  leeward,  far  extending  from  Saint 
Island,  whose  name  they  bore. 

"  Have  the  men  had  their  breakfasts,  Mr  Hardy  ?  "  said 
the  captain. 

**  The  cocoa  was  in  the  tub,  sir,"  answered  the  first 

K.       I.  H 


1 1 4  The  King's  Own 

lieutenant,  "ready  for  serving  out;  but  they  started  it 
all  in  the  lee-scuppers.  They  wanted  the  tub  to  fill  it 
with  shot." 

Captain  M smiled  at  the  enthusiasm  of  his  crew ; 

but  the  smile  was  suddenly  checked,  as  he  reflected  that 
probably  many  of  the  fine  fellows  would  never  breakfast 
again. 

"  If  not  contrary  to  your  regulations,  Captain  M ," 

said  M*Elvina,  "  as  the  crew  of  the  Suzanne  have  not  yet 
been  incorporated  with  your  ship's  company,  may  I  request 
that  they  may  be  stationed  together,  and  that  I  may  be 
permitted  to  be  with  them  ? " 

"  Your  suggestion  is  good,"  replied  the  captain,  "  and  I 
am  obliged  to  you  for  the  offer.  They  shall  assist  to 
work  the  quarter-deck  carronades,  and  act  as  boarders  and 
sail  trimmers.  Mr  Hardy,  let  the  new  men  be  provided 
with  cutlasses,  and  fill  up  any  vacancies  in  the  main-deck 
quarters,  from  some  of  our  own  men  who  are  at  present 
stationed  at  the  quarter-deck  guns." 

The  frigates  were  now  within  gunshot  of  each  other, 
and  it  was  impossible  to  say  which  vessel  would  first 
attain  the  desired  goal.  The  foremost  guns  of  the 
respective  ships  which  had  been  trained  forward  were 
reported  to  bear  upon  the  enemy,  and  both  commanders 
were  aware  that  "  knocking  away  a  stick,"  i,e.y  the  shots 
striking  the  masts  or  yards  of  her  opponent,  so  as  to 
occasion  them  to  fall,  would  decide  the  point.     At  the  very 

time  that  captain  M was  giving  directions  to  fire  the 

main-deck  guns  as  they  would  bear,  the  first  shot  from  his 
antagonist  whizzed  over  his  head,  and  the  action  com- 
menced, each  party  attempting  to  cripple  his  opponent  by 
firing  high  at  his  masts  and  rigging.  The  frigates 
continued  to  engage,  until  they  had  closed-to  within  half  a 
mile  of  each  other,  when  the  main-top-mast  of  the  French- 
man fell  over  the  side. 

This  decided  the  point  as  to  his  escape  through  the 
passage,  which  he  had  made  his  utmost  exertions  to  effect, 
in   pursuance   of  the   peremptory  orders    which   he   had 


The  King's  Own  115 

received.  He  now  hauled  his  wind  on  the  same  tack  as 
the  Aspasia  pouring  in  his  starboard  broadside  as  he 
rounded-to.  The  manoeuvre  was  good,  as  he  thereby 
retained  his  weather-gage — and  the  wreck  of  his  top-mast 
having  fallen  over  his  larboard  side,  he  had  his  starboard 
broadside,  which  was  all  clear,  and  directed  towards  his 
opponent ;  moreover,  he  forced  the  Aspasia  to  follow  him 
into  the  bay  formed  between  the  Bee  du  Raz  and  the  Bee 
du  Chevre,  where  she  would  in  all  probability  receive 
considerable  damage  from  the  batteries  which  lined  the 
coast. 

Captain  M was  aware  of  all  this  \  but  his  only  fear 

was  that  his  enemy  should  run  on  shore,  and  prevent  his 
carrying  him  into  port.  The  Aspasia  was  soon  abreast  of 
her  opponent,  and  their  broadsides  were  exchanged,  when 

Captain  M ,  who  wished  to  bring  the  action  to  a  speedy 

conclusion,  shot  his  vessel  ahead,  which  he  was  enabled  to 
do,  from  his  superiority  of  sailing,  after  the  main-top-mast 
of  the  French  frigate  had  been  shot  away.  It  was  his 
intention  not  to  have  tacked  until  he  could  have  fetched 
his  antagonist,  but  the  galling  fire  of  the  batteries,  which 
now  hulled  him  every  time,  induced  him  to  go  about,  and, 
as  he  was  in  stays,  a  raking  shot  entered  the  cabin  windows, 
and,  in  its  passage  along  the  main-deck,  added  ten  men  to 
his  list  of  killed  and  wounded. 

Again  the  frigates,  on  opposite  tacks,  poured  in  their 
broadsides — the  fore-yard  of  the  Frenchman  was  divided 
in  the  slings,  and  fell,  hanging  by  the  topsail-sheets  and 
lifts,  and  tearing  the  sails,  which  fell  over  the  forecastle 
guns,  and  caught  fire,  as  they  were  discharged  at  the  same 
moment.  Nor  did  the  Aspasia  suffer  less,  for  her  mizen- 
top-mast  was  shot  through,  and  her  starboard  anchor,  cut 
from  her  bows,  fell  under  her  bottom  and  tore  away  the 

cable  (a  short  range  of  which  Captain  M had  had  the 

precaution  to  have  on  deck,  as  they  fought  so  close  in- 
shore). This  threw  the  men  at  the  guns  into  confusion, 
and  brought  the  ship  up  in  the  wind.  The  cable  was  at 
last  separated,  and  flew  out  of  the  hawse-hole  after  the 


ii6  The  King's  Own 

anchor,  which  plunged  to  the  bottom  ;  but  this  was  not 
effected,  until,  like  an  enormous  serpent,  it  had  enfolded 
in  its  embraces  three  or  four  hapless  men,  who  were  carried 
with  dreadful  velocity  to  the  hawse-hole,  where  their 
crushed  bodies  for  a  time  stopped  it  from  running  out, 
and  gave  their  shipmates  an  opportunity  of  dividing  it  with 
their  axes. 

Order  was  eventually  restored,  and  the  Aspasia,  who 
had  been  raked  by  her  active  opponent  during  the  time 
that  she  was  thrown  up  in  the  wind,  continued  her  course, 
and  as  she  passed  stern  of  the  French  frigate,  luffed  up 
and  returned  the  compliment.  The  latter,  anxious  in  his 
crippled  state  for  the  support  of  the  batteries,  which  had 
already  seriously  injured  his  opponent,  continued  to  forge 
in-shore. 

"  We  shall  weather  her  now  ; — 'bout  ship,  Mr  Pearce. 

Recollect,  my  lads,"  said  Captain  M ,  when  the  ship 

was  about,  "you'll  reserve  your  fire  till  we  touch  her 
sides  ;  then  all  hands  to  board." 

The  Aspasia  ranged  up  on  the  weather  quarter  of  her 
antagonist — Pearce,  the  master,  conning  her  by  the  captain's 
directions,  so  that  the  fore-chains  of  the  French  vessel 
should  be  hooked  by  the  spare  anchor  of  the  Aspasia,  The 
enemy,  who,  in  his  disabled  state,  was  not  in  a  situation  to 
choose  whether  he  would  be  boarded  or  not,  poured  in  a 
double-shotted  and  destructive  broadside,  and  it  was  well 

for  Captain  M that  his  ship's  company  had  received 

the  reinforcement  which  they  had  from  the  Suzanne,  for  the 
French  frigate  was  crowded  with  men,  and  being  now 
within  pistol-shot,  the  troops,  who  ware  so  thick  on  deck 
as  to  impede  the  motions  of  each  other,  kept  up  an 
incessant  fire  of  musketry,  cutting  the  Aspasia  s  running 
rigging,  riddling  her  sails,  and  disabling  her  men. 

*'  Hard-a-port  now ! "  cried  Pearce,  and  the  vessels 
came  in  collision,  the  spare  anchor  in  the  Aspasia  s  fore- 
chains  catching  and  tearing  away  the  backstays  and  lanyards 
of  the  enemy's  fore-rigging,  and,  with  a  violent  jerk, 
bringing  down  the  fore  top-mast  to  windward.     At  this 


The  King's  Own  117 

moment  the  reserved  broadside  of  the  Aspasta  was  dis- 
charged, and  the  two  frigates  heeled  over  opposite  ways, 
from  the  violent  concussion  of  the  air  in  the  confined  space 
between  them.  While  yet  enveloped  in  the  smoke,  the 
men  flew  up  on  deck,  as  they  had  been  previously  directed 

by  Captain  M ,  who  leaped   upon   the  quarter-deck 

hammocks  of  his  own  frigate,  and,  holding  with  one  hand 
by  the  mizen  top-mast  backstay,  with  his  sword  in  the 
other,  waving  to  encourage  his  men,  waited  a  second  or 
two  for  the  closing  of  the  after-parts  of  the  vessels,  before 
he  led  on  his  boarders. 

The  smoke  rolled  away  through  the  masts  of  the  French 
frigate,  and  discovered  her  captain,  with  equal  disregard 
to  his  safety,  in  nearly  a  similar  position  on  the  hammock 
rails  of  his  own  vessel.  The  rival  commanders  were  not 
six  feet  apart,  when  the  main-chains  of  the  two  vessels 
crashed  as  they  came  in  collision.  The  French  captain 
drew  a  pistol   from  his  belt  and  levelled  it  at   Captain 

M ,  whose  fate  appeared  to  be  certain  5  when,  at  the 

critical  moment,  a  hat,  thrown  from  the  quarter-deck  of 
the  Aspasia,  right  into  the  face  of  the  Frenchman,  blinded 
him  for  a  moment,  and  his  pistol  went  off  without  taking 
effect. 

"Capital  shot,  that,  Willy!"  cried  M'Elvina,  as  he 
sprang  from  the  hammocks  with  his  sword,  "  giving 
point "  in  advance,  and,  while  still  darting  through  the  air 
with  the  impetus  of  his  spring,  passing  it  through  the  body 
of  the  French  captain,  who  fell  back  on  his  own  quarter- 
deck, while  M'Elvina,  fortunately  for  himself,  dropped 
into  the  chains,  for,  had  he  a  hundred  lives,  they  would 
have  fallen  a  sacrifice  to  the  exasperated  Frenchmen  :  but 

the  smugglers  had  followed  M'Elvina,  and  Captain  M , 

with  the  rest  of  his  ship's  company,  were  thronging,  like 
bees,  in  the  rigging,  hammocks,  and  chains  of  their 
opponent.  From  the  destructive  fire  of  the  French  troops, 
many  an  English  seaman  fell  dead,  or  severely  wounded, 
was  reserved  for  a  worse  fate — that  of  falling  overboard 
between  the  ships,  and,  at  the  heave  of  the  sea,  being 


ii8  The  King's  Own 

crushed  between  their  sides.  Many  a  gallant  spirit  was 
separated  from  its  body  by  this  horrid  death  as  the  strife 
continued. 

Possession  was  at  length  gained  of  the  quarter-deck ; 
but  the  carnage  was  not  to  cease.  The  French  troops 
stationed  in  the  boats  of  the  booms,  formed  a  sort  of 
pyramid,  vomiting  incessant  fire ;  and  the  commandant  had 
had  the  sagacity  to  draw  up  three  lines  of  his  men,  with 
their  bayonets  fixed,  from  one  side  of  the  vessel  to  the 
other,  abreast  of  the  gangways,  forming  a  barrier,  behind 
which  the  crew  of  the  French  frigate  had  retreated,  and 
which  was  impenetrable  to  the  gallant  crew  of  the  Aspasia, 
who  were  only  provided  with  short  cutlasses. 

Captain  M ,  as  he  saw  his  men  falHng  on  every  side, 

and  every  attempt  to  force  a  passage  unsuccessful,  although 
accompanied  with  heavy  loss  of  lives,  found  himself,  as  it 
were,  in  a  trap.  To  force  his  way  through  appeared  im- 
possible— to  retreat  was  against  his  nature.  M'Elvina, 
who  had  been  fighting  by  his  side,  perceived  the  awkward 
and  dangerous  predicament  they  were  in,  and  his  ready 
talent  suggested  a  remedy.  Calling  out  loudly,  ^' Suzannes  I 
away  there  ! — follow  me  !  "  an  order  instantly  obeyed  by 
his  men,  he  disappeared  with  them  over  the  hammocks, 
leaping  back  upon  the  quarter-deck  of  the  Aspasia. 

"  Curses  on  the  smuggler,  he  has  run  for  it.  At  them 
again,  my  Britons,  never  mind,"  cried  the  first  lieutenant, 
leading  on  the  men  against  the  phalanx  of  bayonets. — But 
it  was  not  as  the  first-lieutenant  had  supposed ;  for  before 
the  cutlasses  of  the  seaman  had  time  again  to  strike  fire 
upon  the  steel  points  which  opposed  their  passage, 
M'Elvina  re-appeared  in  the  fore-rigging  of  the  French 
vessel,  followed  by  his  smugglers,  who  attacked  the 
French  troops  in  the  rear,  with  a  loud  yell,  and  an 
impetuosity    that    was    irresistible.      The    diversion   was 

announced  by  a  cheer  from  Captain  M and  his  party 

abaft,  who,  rushing  upon  the  bayonets  of  the  Frenchmen, 
already  in  confusion  from  the  attack  of  M'Elvina,  forced 
them  down  on  the  main-deck,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the 


The  King's  Own  119 

hatches  were  secured  over  the  remainder  of  the  crew,  and 
the  tricolored  ensign  disappeared  from  the  gaff,  and  an- 
nounced to  the  spectators  in  the  batteries  on  shore,  that 
**  Britannia  ruled  the  waves. ^^ 


Chapter  XVII 

Brave  hearts  !  to  Britain's  pride 
Once  so  faithful  and  so  true, 

On  the  deck  of  fame  that  died 
With  the  gallant,  good  Riou, — 

Soft  sigh  the  winds  of  Heaven  o'er  their  grave, 
While  the  billow  mournful  rolls, 
And  the  mermaid's  song  condoles, 
Singing  glory  to  the  souls 

Of  the  brave ! 

Campbell. 

Hasty    congratulations    between    the    survivors    of    the 
victorious  party  were  exchanged  as  they  proceeded  to  obey 

the  orders  which  were  issued  by  Captain  M ,  who 

directed  their  attention  to  the  relief  of  the  wounded,  lying 
in  heaps  upon  the  deck,  in  many  instances  nearly  smothered 
with  the  dead  bodies  which  had  fallen  upon  them,  and 
which  their  own  exhausted  powers  would  not  permit  them 
to  remove.  The  task  of  separation  of  those  who  were 
past  all  mortal  aid  from  those  who  might  still  derive 
benefit  from  surgical  assistance,  was  as  tedious  as  it  was 
aiflicting.  No  distinction  was  made  between  the  rival' 
sufferers,  but,  as  they  came  to  hand,  English  or  French, 
they  were  carefully  conveyed  to  the  half-decks  of  the 
respective  ships,  the  surgeons  of  which  were  in  readiness 
to  receive  them,  their  shirt-sleeves  turned  up  to  the 
elbows,  and  hands  and  arms  stained  with  blood,  proving 
that  they  had  already  been  actively  employed  in  the  duties 
of  their  profession. 

On  the  foremost  part  of  the  larboard  side  of  the  French 

frigate's  quarter-deck,  where  Captain  M and  his  crew 

had  boarded,  the  dead  and  dying  lay  in  a  heap,  the  summit 


I20  The  King's  Own 

of  which  was  level  with  the  tops  of  the  carronades  that 
they  were  between ;  and  an  occasional  low  groan  from 
under  the  mass,  intimated  that  some  were  there  who  were 
dying  more  from  the  pressure  of  the  other  bodies,  than 
from  the  extent  of  their  own  wounds. 

Captain  M ,  although  he  had  lost  much  blood,  and 

was  still  bleeding  profusely,  would  not  leave  the  deck 
until  he  had  collected  a  party  to  separate  the  pile  ;  and 
many  were  relieved,  who,  in  a  few  minutes  more,  would 
have  been  suffocated. 

At  the  bottom  of  the  heap  was  the  body  of  the  gallant 

French  captain  ;  and  Captain  M was  giving  directions 

to  the  first  lieutenant  to  have  it  carried  below,  when 
Willy,  who  was  earnestly  looking  about  the  deck,  brushed 
up  against  the  latter,  who  said  to  him — 

"  Come,  youngster,  out  of  the  way,  you're  no  use 
here." 

"  Has  any  one  seen  my  hat  ?  "  interrogated  the  boy,  as 
he  obeyed  the  order,  and  removed  to  a  short  distance. 

"  Here  it  is,  my  bantam,"  said  one  of  the  boatswain's 
mates,  who  had  discovered  it  as  they  removed  the  body  of 
the  French  captain,  under  which  it  had  lain,  jammed  as  flat 
as  a  pancake. 

"  Then  it  was  to  you  that  I  was  indebted  for  that  well- 
timed  assistance,"  said  Captain  M ,  taking  the  hat  from 

the  boatswain's  mate,  and  restoring  it  as  well  as  he  could 
to  its  former  shape  before  he  put  it  on  Willy's  head. 

Willy  looked  up  in  the  captain's  face,  and  smiled  assent 
as  he  walked  away. 

"  A  good  turn  is  never  lost,"  observed  Captain  M ; 

"  and  the  old  fable  of  the  mouse  and  the  lion  is  constantly 
recurring  to  make  us  humble.  If  I  had  not  put  that  boy 
on  the  quarter-deck,  I  should  in  all  probability  have  made 
a  vacancy.  It  was  remarkable  presence  of  mind  on  his 
part." 

We  have  not  broken  in  upon  our  narrative  to  state,  that, 
during  the  scene  we  have  described,  Mr  Pearce,  the  master, 
had  succeeded  in  putting  both  vessels  before   the  wind, 


The  King's  Own  121 

although  they  still  were  hugged  in  each  other's  embraces, 
as  if  they  had  always  been  the  best  friends  in  the  world, 
and  they  were  now  out  of  the  reach  of  the  enemy's 
batteries,  which  (as  soon  as  they  perceived  the  unfavour- 
able result  of  the  action)  had  commenced  firing  with  red- 
hot  balls,  emblematical  of  their  wrath. 

When  the  wounded  had  been  carried  below,  and  placed 
in  comparative  comfort  on  board  of  their  respective  ships, 
the  dead  bodies  were  next  examined.  Those  of  the  French 
(with  the  exception  of  that  of  the  captain)  were  launched 
overboard  ;  while  those  of  the  English  were  carried  to 
their  own  frigate,  the  only  instance  in  which  any  difference 
was  shown  between  the  rival  sufferers.  The  hatches  were 
then  removed,  and  the  French  officers,  having  delivered  up 
their  swords,  were  permitted  to  remain  on  deck  upon 
parole,  while  the  men  were  secured  down  below  in  the 
fore  and  main  holds  of  the  Aspasia,  the  hatchways  being 
covered  over  with  a  strong  splinter-netting,  that  they  might 
not  be  deprived  of  fresh  air  in  their  crowded  situation. 
The  charge  of  the  prize  having  been  confided  to  the  first 
lieutenant  and  fifty  men,  the  two  ships  were  separated, 
and  laid  to,  to  repair  the  damages  sustained  in  the 
conflict. 

Captain  M ,  whose  wounds  were  not  serious,  had 

descended  for  a  short  time  to  have  them  washed  and 
dressed.  His  anxiety  to  put  his  ship  in  an  efficient  state, 
and  get  clear  of  the  bay,  previously  to  bad  weather  coming 
on,  had  induced  him  to  return  on  deck  as  soon  as  he  had 
taken  a  little  refreshment. 

M*Elvina  had  also  cleansed  himself  from  the  gore  with 
which  he  had  been  begrimed,  and,  having  applied  to  the 
surgeon  to  assuage  the  pain  of  a  severe  cut  which  he  had 
received  on  his  shoulder,  came  upon  the  quarter-deck  with 
his  arm  in  a  sling,  dressed  with  his  usual  precision  and 

neatness.     He  touched  his  hat  to  Captain  M ,  with 

whom  he  had  not  communicated  since  he  had  quitted  him 
on  the  quarter-deck  of  the  French  frigate,  to  create  the 
fortunate  diversion  in  favour  of  the  boarders. 


122  The  King's  Own 

"  Captain  M'Elvina,"  said  Captain  M ,  taking  his 

hand  and  shaking  it  warmly,  "  I  can  hardly  express  how- 
much  I  am  obliged  to  you  for  your  conduct  this  day.  You 
may  be  assured  that,  upon  my  return,  I  shall  not  fail  to 
make  a  proper  representation  of  it  to  government.  I  only 
wish  that  there  was  any  situation  in  my  ship  that  could 
induce  you  to  remain." 

"Thank    you.    Captain    M ,"    replied    M'Elvina, 

smiling ;  "  but,  although  on  a  smaller  scale,  I  have  long 
been  accustomed  to  command ;  and  I  should  be  very 
sorry  that  a  vacancy  should  occur  in  the  only  situation 
that  I  would  accept." 

**  I  expected  an  answer  to  that  effect,"  replied  Captain 

M .     "  However,  you  have  this  day  nobly  redeemed 

your  character,  and  silenced  any  imputations  of  hostility 
to  your  country  that  might  be  thrown  upon  you  in  con- 
sequence of  your  kte  employment ;  and  I  sincerely  con- 
gratulate you." 

"  Captain  M ,  as  you  are  kind  enough  to  express 

friendly  feelings  towards  me,  may  I  request  they  may 
be  shown  by  the  interest  you  take  in  young  Seymour  ? 
I  cannot  but  approve  his  following  the  honourable  career 
marked  out  for  him,  and  my  regret  at  parting  with  one 
who  has  so  entwined  himself  round  my  heart,  will  be 
considerably  lessened  by  the  assurance  that  you  will  be 
his  friend  and  protector.     Any  expenses " 

**Not    one    word   upon   that    score,"   replied    Captain 

M :  "  the  boy  saved  my  life  this  day  by  his  unusual 

presence  of  mind,  and  I  shall  watch  over  him  as  if  he 
were  my  own  child." 

"  His  education  ? " 

"  Shall  be  attended  to.  I  pledge  you  my  honour  to 
do  him  every  justice." 

M*Elvina  bowed,  and  walked  away  to  the  other  side 
of  the  quarter-deck ;  the  idea  of  parting  with  Willy  was 
always  painful  to  him,  and,  weak  with  the  loss  of  blood, 
he  was  afraid  that  the  emotion  would  be  perceived, 
which  he  now  felt  less  able  to  control. 


The  King's  Own  12 


o 


Thus  it  is  with  proud  man.  He  struggles  to  conceal 
efFects  arising  from  feelings  which  do  honour  to  his 
nature ;  but  feels  no  shame  when  he  disgraces  himself 
by  allowing  his  passions  to  get  the  better  of  his  reason 
■ — and  all  because  he  would  not  be  thought  wotnanish  ! 
Fm  particularly  fond  of  crying  myself. 

The  list  of  killed  and  wounded  was  brought  up  by 
the  second  lieutenant  (the  duty  of  the  first,  who  was  in 
charge  of  the  prize,  having  devolved  upon  him) — the 
former  having  been  ascertained  by  mustering  the  ship's 
company,  the  latter  from  the  report  of  the  surgeon. 

A  deep  sigh  escaped  from  the  breast  of  the  captain 
as  he  looked  down  at  the  total.  "  Forty-four  killed — 
sixty-seven  wounded !  This  is  heavy  indeed.  Poor 
Stevenson,  I  thought  he  was  only  wounded  " 

**  Since  dead,  sir,"  replied  the  second  lieutenant ;  "  we 
have  lost  a  pleasant  messmate." 

**  And  his  Majesty  a  valuable  officer,"  replied  the 
captain.  **  I  am  afraid  his  mother  will  feel  it  in  more 
ways  than  one — he  supported  her,  I  think." 

"  He  did,  sir  :  will  you  not  give  an  acting  order  to 
one  of  the  young  gentlemen  ? "  (It  was  the  third  lieu- 
tenant over  whom  they  were  lamenting.) 

*'  Yes,  make  it  out  for  Mr  Robertson." 

"  He's  in  the  list,  sir." 

"  What !  killed  !  So  he  is,  poor  fellow  !  Well  then, 
— Mr  Wheatly, — let  it  be  made  out  for  him." 

**  Ay,  ay,  sir." 

It  was  not  until  the  ensuing  day  that  the  loss  of  the 
enemy  could  be  ascertained.  Crowded  as  were  her  decks 
with  troops,  it  was  enormous.  Not  only  the  first  and 
second  captains,  second  lieutenant,  and  seven  junior 
officers  of  the  frigate  had  fallen,  but  eleven  officers  of 
the  detachment  of  soldiers  sent  on  board  of  her.  The 
total  loss  appeared  to  be  one  hundred  and  forty-seven 
killed,  and  one  hundred  and  eighty-four  wounded,  out  of 
an  aggregate  of  nearly  nine  hundred  men. 

In  a  few  days   the  Aspasia  and   her  prize   arrived  at 


124  The  King's  Own 

Plymouth,  the  English  colours  proudly  waving  over  the 
tricolored  flag  of  her  late  opponent,  and  both  vessels  ran 
into  Hamoaze,  amidst  the  cheers  of  thousands  of 
spectators,  assembled  upon  Mount  Wise  and  Mount 
Edgecomb  to  greet  their  gallant  and  successful  defenders. 

Captain  M immediately  proceeded  to  London,  where 

the  representation  which  he  made  of  M'Elvina's  conduct 
was  followed  by  an  order  for  his  immediate  release,  and 
M^Elvina,  taking  an  affectionate  leave  of  Willy,  with  a 
parting  injunction  to  ^^  be  honest^"^  set  off  to  report  to 
old  Hornblow,  and  his  daughter  Susan,  all  the  circum- 
stances attending  the  capture  of  his  lugger,  and  the 
events  which  had  subsequently  ensued. 


Chapter    XVIII 

So :  poverty  at  home,  and  debts  abroad  ; 

My  present  fortune  had ;  my  hopes  yet  worse  I 

What  will  become  of  me  ? 

Southeron's  Isabella, 

The  gentleman  who  had  supposed  himself  the  next  heir 
to  the  entailed  property,  vacant  by  the  demise  of  Admiral 

De  Courcy,  and  whose  hasty  visit  and  departure  from 

Hall  we  have  mentioned  in  a  previous  chapter,  was  a 
third  cousin  of  the  deceased.  His  history  is  short.  He 
had  squandered  away  the  personal  property  left  him  by 
his  father;  and  his  family  estate,  which  was  of  greater 
extent  than  value,  was  mortgaged  for  even  more  than 
it  was  worth.  He  had  latterly  subsisted  by  borrowing 
large  sums  of  money  at  exorbitant  interest,  upon  the 
expectancy  of  succeeding  to  the  property  of  Admiral  De 
Courcy.  The  result  of  his  visit  to  the  Hall  was,  there- 
fore, unsatisfactory  in  more  ways  than  one ;  and  before 
he  had  arrived  at  his  own  residence,  his  obsequious  little 
friend  in  black  had  reminded  him  of  certain  bonds  which 
were  in  his  possession,  and  assumed  a  tone  and  demeanour 
towards  his  client  very  different  from  that   in  which  he 


The  King's  Own  125 

had  addressed  the  supposed  inheritor  of  the  large  property 

of   D •,  intimating,  in   very  plain   terms,   that    some 

speedy  arrangements  must  be  made. 

Rainscourt,  who  had  nothing  left  except  the  old  castle 
on  his  property  in  Gal  way,  his  manorial  rights,  and  the 
unbounded  attachment  and  devotion  of  the  wild  tenants, 
who  looked  upon  him  as  their  feudal  chieftain,  felt  convinced 
that  he  had  no  resource  but  to  escape  from  his  numerous 
creditors,  who  would  not  hesitate  to  put  him  in  durance, 
and  whose  impatience  had  been  with  diificulty  restrained 
until  the  death  of  the  admiral.  The  speedy  arrangement  upon 
which  he  determined  was,  to  set  off  immediately  for 
Ireland,  and,  by  regaining  his  castle,  defy  legal  authority, 
— if  there  could  be  found  any  that  would  be  rash  enough 
to  attempt  his  person,  when  encircled  by  his  lawless 
retainers. 

As  he  descended  from  the  chaise,  at  the  handsomely 
furnished  lodgings,  in  the  west  end  of  the  metropolis, 
which  he  had  engaged,  his  companion  informed  him,  with 
a  haughty  air,  that  he  would  have  the  honour  of  paying  his 
respects  on  the  ensuing  noon  ;  while  Rainscourt,  with  his 
usual  indifference  to  money,  dismissed  the  post-boys  with 
a  handsome  gratuity,  although  there  were  not  many 
guineas  left  in  his  purse ;  and  then  proceeded  up  to 
the  drawing-room,  on  the  first  floor,  where  his  wife  and 
only  daughter  were  anxiously  awaiting  his  arrival. 

Mrs  Rainscourt,  still  a  fine  and  elegant  woman,  had,  in 
her  youth,  been  remarkable  for  her  great  personal  attrac- 
tions •,  and,  for  two  seasons,  had  been  considered  as  the 
belle  of  the  Irish  metropolis.  She  was,  at  that  period,  a 
high-spirited  and  generous-minded  girl,  easily  provoked, 
and  as  easily  appeased, — proud  of  her  beauty  and  her 
accomplishments,  which  her  worldly-minded  parents  were 
in  hopes  would  be  bartered  for  a  coronet.  Rainscourt 
was  also,  at  that  time,  one  of  the  handsomest,  if  not  the 
handsomest  man  in  Ireland,  with  the  advantage  of  polished 
manners,  talent,  and  ancient  birth.  Received  and  courted 
in  every  society,  he  was  as  indefatigable   in  squandering 


126  The  King's  Own 

away  his  property,  as  the  parents  of  Mrs  Rainscourt  were 
in  trying  to  obtain  an  advantageous  establishment  for  their 
daughter.  Rainscourt  was  proud  and  overbearing  in  dis- 
position :  vain,  to  excess,  of  his  personal  advantages,  he 
considered  himself  to  be  irresistible  with  the  other  sex. 
He  had  seen  and  admired  his  future  spouse ;  but  still,  as 
he  required  an  alliance  which  would  enable  him  to  indulge 
in  his  extravagance,  and  as  her  parents  were  aware  that 
Rainscourt  was,  or  would  soon  be,  a  ruined  man,  in  all 
probability  they  would  never  have  come  in  contact,  but 
have  rolled  in  different  orbits,  more  consonant  to  their  views 
and  their  happiness,  had  it  not  occurred  that,  at  a  large  and 
convivial  party,  Rainscourt's  vanity  had  been  piqued  by  his 
companions,  who  told  him  that  he  never  could  obtain  the 
hand  of  Miss ,  whose  parents  aspired  to  a  higher  con- 
nection. Piqued  at  this  remark,  and  flushed  with  the  wine 
that  had  been  freely  circulated,  he  offered  to  stake  a 
considerable  sum  that  he  would  succeed  before  a  certain 
allotted  time.  The  wager  was  accepted.  Rainscourt 
courted  without  affection ;  and,  by  his  assiduities  and 
feigned  attachment,  ultimately  succeeded  in  persuading 
the  fond  girl  to  destroy  all  the  golden  visions  of  her 
parents,  and  resign  herself  to  his  arms,  where  he  assured 
her  that  competence  and  love  would  be  found  more  than 
commensurate  to  a  coronet  and  neglect. 

They  eloped  ; — all  Dublin  was  in  an  uproar  for  three 
days.  Rainscourt  received  the  amount  of  his  bet,  and  the 
congratulations  of  his  friends,  and  for  a  short  time  he  and 
his  wife  lived  together  without  any  serious  fracas.  The 
first  that  occurred  proceeded  from  an  anonymous  letter, 
evidently  written  by  some  envious  and  disappointed  female, 
acquainting  Mrs  Rainscourt  with  all  the  circumstances 
attending  the  bet,  to  which  she  had  been  sacrificed.  This 
mortifying  news  was  received  with  showers  of  tears,  and 
some  upbraiding  :  for  Mrs  Rainscourt  really  loved  her 
husband  ;  and  although  patched  up  by  Rainscourt's  pro- 
testations, as  to  the  falsehood  of  the  accusation,  it  sunk  deep 
into  her  heart,  and  was  but  the  forerunner  of  future  misery. 


The  King's  Own  127 

Rainscourt  soon  became  tired  of  a  woman  whom  he  had 
never  loved  ;  cursed  his  own  vanity,  that  had  induced  him 
to  saddle  himself  with  such  an  encumbrance  «is  a  wife  ;  and, 
by  alternate  violence  and  moroseness,  irritated  her  feelings, 
and  roused  her  spirit.  Neglect  on  his  part  produced 
indifference  on  her  side  ;  and  as  the  means  of  gaiety  and 
expense  melted  away,  so  did  all  respect  and  esteem  for  each 
other. 

An  extravagant  man  seldom  makes  a  good  husband :  he 
becomes  embarrassed,  and  his  circumstances  prey  upon  his 
mind,  and  sour  his  temper.  A  woman  who  has,  before 
marriage,  been  the  admiration  of  the  metropolis,  is  not  very 
likely  to  prove  a  good  wife.  She  still  sighs  for  the 
adulation  that  she  received,  and  which,  from  habit,  has 
become  necessary  to  her,  and  would  exact  from  the  man  for 
whom  she  has  given  up  the  world,  all  the  attention  that  she 
has  lost  by  the  sacrifice. 

Mr  and  Mrs  Rainscourt  were  joined — but  they  were 
not  one.  Like  many  others  in  this  world  of  error,  their 
marriage  might  be  typified  by  a  vial,  of  which  one  half  has 
been  filled  with  oil,  and  the  other  with  water,  having  a 
cork  in  its  mouth,  which  confined  them,  and  forced  them  to 
remain  in  contact,  although  they  refused  to  unite.  The 
fruit  of  this  marriage  was  one  daughter,  now  about  six 
years  old. 

"  Well,  Mr  Rainscourt,  all  is  well,  I  hope ;  and  may  I 
not  kiss  my  daughter,  and  congratulate  her  upon  being  one 
of  the  largest  heiresses  in  the  kingdom .'' " 

"  You  may,  if  you  please,  madam." 

"  May,  if  I  please  ?  Why,  is  it  not  so,  Mr  Rainscourt?" 
replied  the  lady,  startled  at  the  moody  brow  of  her  husband, 
as  he  threw  himself  on  the  sofa. 

Now  Rainscourt  would  not  have  so  immediately  answered 
the  question,  but  he  was  determined  that  his  spouse  should 
participate  in  those  pangs  of  disappointment  which  swelled 
his  own  breast ;  as  a  partner  of  all  his  joys,  she  was,  of 
course,  fully  entitled  to  an  equal  proportion  of  his  cares. 

"  No,  madam — it  is  not  so." 


128  The  King's  Own 

"  Surely  you  are  trifling  with  me,  Mr  Rainscourt ;  is  not 
the  admiral  dead  ? " 

**  Yes,  madam  ;  and  his  grandchild  is  alive." 

"  His  grandchild !  "  cried  the  lady,  in  alto,  pallid  with 
vexation  and  disappointment.  "  Well,  Mr  Rainscourt, 
this  is  another  specimen  of  your  usual  prudence  and  fore- 
sight. What  man  in  his  senses  would  not  have  ascertained 
such  a  fact,  previous  to  squandering  away  his  whole 
property,  and  leaving  his  daughter  a  beggar  !  " 

"  I  think,  madam,  if  the  property  has  been  squandered, 
as  you  term  it,  that  you  have  assisted  me  in  so  doing  ;  at 
all  events,  the  property  was  my  own ;  for  I  cannot  exactly 
recollect  that  you  increased  it  one  shilling  when  I  married 
you." 

"  Certainly,  not  much,  Mr  Rainscourt,  except,  indeed, 
the  amount  of  the  bet.  I  consider  that  as  my  marriage 
portion,"  replied  the  lady,  with  a  sneer. 

"  Never  made  a  worse  bet  in  my  life,"  replied  the  gentle- 
man, throwing  his  legs  upon  the  sofa. 

"Perhaps  not,"  replied  his  wife  with  offended  serious- 
ness ;  "  but  recollect,  Mr  Rainscourt,  that  you  have  no  one 
to  blame  but  yourself — you  were  not  deceived.  I  might 
have  been  happy — might  have  met  with  sincerity  and 
reciprocal  affection.  Your  conduct  towards  me  was  an  act 
of  cruelty,  which  would  have  called  forth  some  compunction 
in  the  breast  of  my  bitterest  enemy  ;  and  yet,  unoffending, 
I  was  heartlessly  sacrified  to  your  vanity." 

"  Say,  rather,  to  your  own,  which  blinded  you,  or  you 
would  have  been  able  to  discriminate  better." 

Mrs  Rainscourt  burst  into  tears.  Before  her  emotion 
could  be  controlled,  her  husband,  who  was  hardened  to 
these  scenes  of  alternate  anger  and  grief,  either  was,  or 
pretended  to  be,  in  a  sound  sleep. 

The  little  girl  had  nestled  close  to  her  mother  at  the 
ebullition  of  her  feelings,  and  waited  in  silence  until  it  was 
exhausted. 

"Why,  mamma,  I  thought  you  said  we  should  be  so 
happy  now.'' 


The  King's  Own  129 

*•  Did  I,  my  dear  ? "  replied  Mrs  Rainscourt,  mourn- 
fully. 

"  Yes,  you  did,  and  told  me  that  we  should  have  a  fine 
house  in  London,  and  that  we  should  not  go  back  to  the 
old  castle  again.  I  was  sorry  for  that,  though.  Where 
shall  we  go  now,  mamma  ?  '* 

**  God  knows,  my  child  ;  you  must  ask  your  father." 

**  Papa's  asleep,  and  I  must  not  wake  him.  I  do  hope 
we  shall  go  back  to  the  castle." 

"Then  you'll  have  your  wish,  my  love,"  replied  Mr 
Rainscourt,  rousing  up,  **  for  I  start  this  very  evening." 

"  Are  we  to  go  with  you,  Mr  Rainscourt  ? "  asked  Mrs 
Rainscourt,  calmly,  "  or  are  we  to  be  left  here  ?" 

"  As   you   please  ;    but   I  must  be  off,   for  that  little 

scoundrel,  T ,  threatened  me  with  a  visit  to-morrow 

morning  as  I  got  out  of  the  chaise,  and  I  am  aware  that  he 
will  not  come  without  a  companion  or  two." 

*'T !     What!  T ?    your  friend  T !  that 

you  brought  from  Dublin  with  you,  and  who  professes  so 
much  admiration  and  esteem — your  own  factotum  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  own  factotum — snivelling  little  scoundrel. 
But,  however,  there's  no  time  to  be  lost.  You  have  some 
jewels,  my  dear,  and  other  articles  of  value ;  you  had  better 
pack  them  up,  and  consign  them  to  me  as  soon  as  possible. 
You  may  then  take  your  choice, — go  with  me  now,  or 
follow  me  in  a  day  or  two.     They  cannot  arrest  youP 

"I  am  aware  of  that,  Mr  Rainscourt,"  replied  the 
lady ;  "  but  as  I  may  not  have  the  means  of  following,  my 
daughter  and  I  will,  if  you  please,  become  a  part  of  your 
travelling  incumbrance,  as  well  as  the  jewels  and  other 
articles  of  value." 

"Be  it  so,"  replied  the  gentleman,  who  perfectly  under- 
stood her  sarcastic  meaning,  but  did  not  think  it  advisable 
to  retort  at  the  moment ;  "  one  post-chaise  will  carry 
us  all ;  but  we  must  leave  town  at  twelve  o'clock  this 
night.  If  I  recollect  right,  we  are  asked  to  a  rout  at  Lady 
G- 's  ?  " 

**  We  are  j  but  pray,  Mr  Rainscourt,  how  am  I  to  get 

K.      I.  I 


130  The  King's  Own 

ready  so  soon  ?  The  servants  must  be  paid — all  the  bills 
must  be  called  in." 

"  If  you  wait  until  I  can  pay  all  the  bills,  you  must  wait 
till  eternity,  perhaps.  Pack  up  everything  of  value  that 
is  portable,  without  the  knowledge  of  the  servants ;  your 
jewels  you  can  have  upon  your  own  person,  or  in  a  pocket, 
if  you  ever  wear  one.  Order  the  carriage — dress,  and  we 
will  both  go  to  the  rout.  I  shall  leave  word  with  Roberts 
to  bring  me  any  letters  which  may  be  sent,  telling  him 
that  the  admiral  is  not  dead  yet,  although  hourly  expected 
— nothing  has  transpired  to  the  contrary.  I  can  slip  away 
from  the  rout,  and  write  the  letter  myself,  which  I  will 
send  by  a  porter.  When  I  go  home,  and  the  chaise  which 
I  shall  order  is  at  the  door,  I  will  put  Emily  in  it,  and 

call  for  you  at  Lady  G 's.     The  servants  may  suspect 

something,  but  it  will  then  be  too  late." 

Danger  will  unite  those  who  are  at  variance.  Mrs  R. 
entered  readily  into  the  proposed  arrangements,  which 
necessity  imposed  upon  them,  and  in  a  few  hours,  father, 
mother,  and  daughter  were  on  their  way  to  Ireland,  leaving 
the  house  rent,  butchers,  bakers,  chandlers,  and  all  other 
bills,  of  no  trifling  sum  total,  to  be  paid  at  some  more 
favourable  opportunity.  The  servants  indemnified  them- 
selves as  well  as  they  could,  by  seizing  what  was  left, 
and  cursing  the  elopers  -,  and  the  obsequious  little  gentle- 
man in  black  vowed  vengeance  as  he  quitted  the  deserted 
mansion,  to  which  he  had  paid  his  promised  visit  in  the 
morning,  with  a  particular  friend  or  two,  to  enforce  his 
arguments  with  Mr  Rainscourt. 


The  King's  Own  131 


Chapter  XIX 

Fal.  Have  you  provided  me  here  half  a  dozen  sufficient  men  ? 

Shal.   Marry  have  we,  sir. 

Fal,  Let  me  see  them,  I  beseech  you. 

Shal.  Where's  the  roll  1  where's  the  roll ! 

Let  them  appear  as  I  call. 

Shakespeare. 

As  the  reader  will  have  a  more  intimate  acquaintance  with 
them  hereafter,  I  must  now  enter  into  some  description 
of  the  characters  of  the  captain  and  officers  with  whom 
our  hero  was  fated  to  be  a  shipmate.  To  begin  with 
the  captain,  who  has  already  made  his  appearance  in  the 
course  of  these  pages  : — 

Captain  M was  the  son  of  a  north-country  gentle- 
man— one  of  the  numerous  class  still  existing  in  this  world, 
who  have  inherited  large  ideas  and  small  fortunes.  As 
usual,  the  latter  were  got  rid  of  much  sooner  than  the 
former.      The    consequence   was,    that    although   young 

M was  an  only  son,  it  was  considered  advisable  that 

he  should  be  brought  up  to  some  profession.  The  naval 
service  was  selected  by  himself,  and  approved  of  by  his 
father,  who,  although  he  had  no  money,  had  some 
interest, — that  is  to  say,  he  had  powerful  and  wealthy 
connections,  who,  for  their  own  sakes,  rather  than  have 
to  support  their  young  relation,  would  exert  themselves 
to  make  him  independent. 

M rose  to  the  rank  of  post-captain  as  fast  as  his 

friends  could  wish,  and  did  credit  to  their  patronage. 
Having  once  obtained  for  him  the  highest  rank  that  the 
profession  could  offer,  until  he  became  an  admiral  from 
seniority,  they  thought  that  they  had  done  enough ;  and 

had  it  not  been   that  Captain  M ,   by  his   zeal  and 

abilities,  had  secured  a  personal  interest  at  the  Board, 
he  might  have  languished  on  half  pay;  but  his  services 
were  appreciated,  and  he  was  too  good  an  officer  not  to 
be  employed.      His   father  was   dead,   and  the  payment 


132  The  King's  Own 

of  debts  which  he  had  contracted,  and  the  purchase  of 
an  annuity  for  his  mother,  had  swallowed  up  almost  all 

the  prize-money  which   Captain  M ,  who  had  been 

very  successful,  had  realised;  but  he  was  single  from 
choice,  and  frugal  from  habit.  His  pay,  and  the  interest 
of  the  small  remains  of  prize-money  in  the  funds,  were 
more  than  adequate  to  his  wants.  He  was  enthusiastic 
in  his  profession,  and  had  the  bad  taste  to  prefer  a  fine 
ship  to  a  fine  lady. 

Having  entered  the  service  at  a  later  period  than  was 
usual,  he  had  the  advantage  of  an  excellent  education, 
which,  being  naturally  of  a  serious  disposition,  and  fond 
of  reading,  he  had  very  much  improved  by  study.  As  an 
officer  he  was  a  perfect  master  of  his  profession,  both 
in  theory  and  practice,  and  was  what  is  termed  afloat, 
"  all  for  the  service."  Indeed  this  feeling  was  so  powerful 
in  him,  that,  Hke  Aaron's  rod,  it  swallowed  up  all  the 
rest.  If  there  was  any  blemish  in  his  character,  it  was 
in  this  point.  Correct  himself,  he  made  no  allowance 
for  indiscretion;  inflexibly  severe,  but  always  just,  he 
in  no  instance  ever  spared  himself,  nor  would  he  ever 
be  persuaded  to  spare  others.  The  rules  and  regulations 
of  the  service,  as  laid  down  by  the  Board  of  Admiralty, 
and  the  articles  of  war,  were  as  rigidly  observed  by  him, 
and  exacted  from  others,  as  if  they  had  been  added  to 
the  Decalogue  ;  and  any  deviation  or  neglect  was  sure 
to  bring  down  reprimand  or  punishment  upon  the  offender, 
whether  it  happened  to  be  the  senior  lieutenant,  or  the 
smallest  boy  in  the  ship's  company. 

But,  with  all  his  severity,  so  determined  was  Captain 

M to  be  just,  that  he  never  would  exercise  the  power 

without  due  reflection.  On  one  occasion,  in  which  the 
conduct  of  a  sailor  had  been  very  oflTensive,  the  first 
lieutenant  observed  that  summary  punishment  would  have 
a  very  beneficial  effect  upon  the  ship's  company  in  general. 

"Perhaps  it  might,  Mr  H ,"  replied  he;  "but  it  is 

against  a  rule  which  I  have  laid  down,  and  from  which  I 
never  deviate.     Irritated  as  I  am  at  this  moment  with  the 


The  King's  Own  133 

man's  conduct,  I  may  perhaps  consider  it  in  a  more  heinous 
light  than  it  deserves,  and  be  guilty  of  too  great  severity. 
I  am  liable  to  error, — subject,  as  others,  to  be  led  away  by 
the  feelings  of  the  moment — and  have  therefore  made  a 
compact  with  myself  never  to  punish  until  twenty-four 
hours  after  the  offence  has  been  committed ;  and  so 
repeatedly,  when  at  the  time  I  have  settled  in  my  mind 
the  quantum  of  punishment  that  the  offender  should 
receive,  have  I  found,  upon  reflection,  which  delay  has 
given  time  for,  reasons  to  mitigate  the  severity,  that  I 
wish,  for  the  benefit  of  the  service,  that  the  Admiralty 
would  give  a  standing  order  to  that  effect." 

Such  was  the  character  of  Captain  M .     It  hardly 

need  be  added,  after  the  events  already  narrated  of  this 
history,  that  he  was  a  man  of  undaunted  bravery.  In  his 
person,  he  was  tall,  and  rather  slight  in  figure.  His 
features  were  regular  ;  but  there  was  a  sternness  in  his 
countenance,  and  lines  of  deep  thought  on  his  brow,  which 
rendered  the  expression  unpleasing.  It  was  only  when  he 
smiled  that  you  would  have  pronounced  him  hand- 
some :  then  he  was  more  than  handsome, — he  was 
fascinating. 

Mr  Bully,  the  first  lieutenant  (who  was  the  second 
lieutenant  in  the  ship  in  the  action  with  the  French 
frigate),  was  an  officer  who  well  understood  his  duty. 
He  had  the  merit  of  implicitly  obeying  all  orders  ;  and, 
considering  the  well-known  fact,  that  a  first  lieutenant  has 
always  sufficient  cause  to  be  put  out  of  temper  at  least 
twenty  times  during  the  twelve  hours,  he  was  as  good- 
tempered  as  a  first  lieutenant  could  possibly  be.  He  had 
entered  the  service  when  very  young,  and,  being  of  humble 
extraction,  had  not  had  any  advantage  of  education.  In 
person,  he  was  short  and  thick-set,  and  having  suffered 
severely  from  the  smallpox  during  his  infancy,  was  by  no 
means  prepossessing  in  his  outward  appearance. 

The  second  lieutenant,  whose  name  was  Price,  was  a 
good-looking  young  man,  who  kept  his  watch  and  read 
Shakespeare.     He  was  constantly  attempting  to  quote  his 


134  The  King's  Own 

favourite  author  ;  but,  fortunately  for  those  who  were  not 
fond  of  quotations,  his  memory  was  very  defective. 

Mr  Courtenay,  the  third  lieutenant,  was  a  little  bilious- 
looking  personage,  who,  to  use  the  master's  phraseology, 
was  never  quite  happy  unless  he  was  d — d  miserable.  He 
was  full  of  misfortunes  and  grievances,  and  always  com- 
plaining or  laughing,  at  his  real  or  imaginary  disasters ; 
but  his  complaint  would  often  end  in  a  laugh,  or  his  mirth 
terminate  in  a  whine.  You  never  could  exactly  say, 
whether  he  was  in  joke  or  in  earnest.  There  was  such  a 
serio-comic  humour  about  him,  that  one  side  of  his  coun- 
tenance would  express  pleasure,  while  the  other  indicated 
vexation.  There  seemed  to  be  perpetual  war,  in  his  com- 
position, of  good-humour  versus  bile,  both  of  which  were 
most  unaccountably  blended  in  the  same  temperament. 

According  to  seniority,  Mr  Pearce,  the  master,  is  the 
next  to  be  introduced  to  the  reader ;  in  external  appear- 
ance, a  rough,  hard-headed  north-countryman ;  but,  with 
an  unpromising  exterior,  he  was  a  man  of  sense  and  feeling. 
He  had  every  requisite  for  his  situation  :  his  nerves  were 
like  a  chain-cable ;  he  was  correct  and  zealous  in  his  duty ; 
and  a  great  favourite  of  the  captain's,  who  was  his  country- 
man. He  was  about  fifty  years  of  age,  a  married  man 
with  a  large  family. 

The  surgeon,  whose  name  was  Macallan,  was  also  most 

deservedly  a  great  favourite  with  Captain  M j  indeed 

there  was  a  friendship  between  them,  grown  out  of  long 
acquaintance  with  each  other's  worth,  inconsistent  with, 
and  unusual  in,  a  service  where  the  almost  despotic  power 
of  the  superior  renders  the  intimacy  of  the  inferior  similar 
to  the  smoothing  with  your  hand  the  paw  of  a  lion,  whose 
fangs,  in  a  moment  of  caprice,  may  be  darted  into  your 
flesh.  He  was  a  slight-made,  spare  man,  of  about  thirty- 
five  years  of  age,  and  had  graduated  and  received  his 
diploma  at  Edinburgh, — an  unusual  circumstance  at  that 
period,  although  the  education  in  the  service  was  so  defec- 
tive, that  the  medical  officers  were  generally  the  best 
informed  in  the  ship.     But  he  was  more  than  the  above  ; 


The  King's  Own  135 

he  was  a  naturalist,  a  man  of  profound  research,  and  well 
informed  upon  most  points — of  an  amiable  and  gentle 
disposition,  and  a  sincere  Christian. 

It  would  naturally  be  inferred,  that  those  whose  pro- 
fession it  is  to  investigate  the  human  frame,  and  constantly 
have  before  their  eyes  the  truth  that  we  are  fearfully  and 
wonderfully  made,  would  be  more  inclined  than  others  to 
acknowledge  the  infinite  wisdom  and  power.  But  this  is 
too  often  found  not  to  be  the  case,  and  it  would  appear  as 
if  the  old  scholium,  that  "  too  much  familiarity  breeds 
contempt,"  may  be  found  to  act  upon  the  human  mind 
even  when  in  communion  with  the  Deity.  With  what  awe 
does  the  first  acquaintance  with  death  impress  us  !  "What 
a  thrill  passes  through  the  living,  as  it  bends  over  the 
inanimate  body,  from  which  the  spirit  has  departed  !  The 
clay  that  returns  to  the  dust  from  which  it  sprung, — the 
tenement  that  was  lately  endued  with  volition  and  life, — 
the  frame,  that  exhibited  a  perfection  of  mechanism,  derid- 
ing all  human  power,  and  confounding  all  human  imagina- 
tion, now  an  inanimate  mass,  rapidly  decomposing,  and 
soon  to  become  a  heap  of  corruption. 

Strong  as  the  feeling  is,  how  evanescent  it  becomes, 
when  once  familiarised  !  It  has  no  longer  power  over  the 
senses,  and  the  soldier  and  sailor  pillow  themselves  on  the 
corpse,  with  perfect  indifference,  if  not  with  a  jest.  So  it 
is  with  those  who  are  accustomed  to  post-mortem  arrange- 
ments, who  wash,  and  lay  out  the  body  previous  to  inter- 
ment. 

Yet,  although  we  acknowledge  that  habit  will  remove 
the  first  impressions  of  awe,  how  is  it  that  the  minute 
investigation  upon  which  conviction  ought  to  be  founded, 
should  too  often  have  the  contrary  effect  from  that  which 
it  should  produce  ?  Is  it  because  mystery,  the  parent  of 
awe,  is  in  a  certain  degree  removed  ? 

Faith,  says  the  apostle,  is  the  evidence  of  things  not  seen. 
There  would  be  no  merit  in  believing  what  is  perfectly 
evident  to  the  senses.  Yet  some  would  argue,  that  the 
evidence   ought  to  be  more  clear  and  palpable.     If  so. 


136  The  King's  Own 

would  not  the  awe  be  also  removed,  and  would  religion 
gain  by  it  ?  "We  have  enough  imparted  to  convince  us  that 
all  is  right ;  and  is  not  that  which  is  hidden  or  secret  pur- 
posely intended  to  produce  that  awe,  without  which  the 
proud  mind  of  man  would  spurn  at  infinite  wisdom  ? 

The  above  digression  had  nearly  caused 'me  to  omit,  that 
Macallan  had  one  peculiar  failing.  His  language,  from 
long  study,  had  been  borrowed  from  books,  more  than  from 
men ;  and  when  he  entered  upon  his  favourite  science  of 
natural  history,  his  enthusiasm  made  him  more  pedantic  in 
his  style  and  pompous  in  his  phraseology  than  ever.  But 
who  is  perfect  ? 

The  purser,  O'Keefe,  was  an  elderly  man,  very  careful 
of  the  pounds,  shillings,  and  pence.  He  was  affected  with 
an  incurable  deafness,  which  he  never  thought  proper  to 
acknowledge — but  catching  at  a  word  or  two  in  the 
sentence,  would  frame  his  answer  accordingly,  occasioning 
frequent  mirth  to  his  messmates,  who  he  imagined  were 
laughing  with,  and  not  at  him.  For  the  present,  I  shall 
pass  over  the  rest  of  the  officers,  with  the  exception  of  the 
boatswain,  whose  character  was  of  a  very  peculiar  nature. 

He  was  a  man  who  had  long  been  considered  as  one  of 
the  best  boatswains  in  the  service,  and  had  been  applied  for 

by  Captain  M .     He  used  his  cane  with  severity,  but 

had  always  some  jest  at  hand  to  soften  down  the  smart  of 
the  blow,  and  was  very  active  in  his  own  person,  setting  an 
example  to  the  men.  It  had,  however,  happened,  that 
about  a  year  before  he  joined,  Mr  Hardsett  had  been 
induced  by  his  wife  to  go  with  her  to  a  conventicle,  which 
the  rising  sect  of  methodists  had  established  at  the  port 
where  she  resided ;  and  whether  it  was  that  his  former  life 
smote  his  conscience,  or  that  the  preacher  was  unusually 
powerful,  he  soon  became  one  of  the  most  zealous  of  his 
converts.  He  read  nothing  but  his  Bible,  which  employed 
all  his  leisure  hours,  and  he  was  continually  quoting  it  in 
his  conversation.  But  he  was  not  exactly  a  methodist, 
taking  the  cognomen  in  the  worst  or  the  best  interpreta- 
tion ;  he  was  an  enthusiast  and  a  fanatic — notwithstanding 


The  King's  Own  137 

which,  he  contrived  that  his  duty  towards  his  Maker 
should  not  interfere  with  that  of  boatswain  of  the  ship. 

Captain   M regretted  the  man's  bigotry  j   but  as  he 

never  tried  to  make  any  converts,  and  did  his  duty  in  his 
situation,  the  captain  did  not  attempt  to  interfere  with  his 
religious  opinion, — the  more  so,  as  he  was  convinced  that 
Hardsett  was  sincere. 

The  Aspasta  was  but  a  short  time  in  harbour,  for  the 
captain  was  anxious  to  add  to  the  laurels  which  he  had 
already  won  ;  and  having  reported  the  ship  ready  for  sea, 
received  an  order  to  proceed  to  the  West  India  station. 
The  frigate  was  unmoored,  the  blue-peter  hoisted,  and 
the  fore-topsail  loosened  as  the  signal  for  departure ;  and 
after  lying  a  short  time  with  her  anchor  "  shot  stay  apeak," 

Captain  M came  on  board, — the  anchor  was  run  up  to 

the  bows,  and  once  more  the  frigate  started,  like  an  armed 
knight  in  search  of  battle  and  adventure. 

It  was  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  the  tenants  of 
the  gun-room  had  assembled  to  their  repast.  "  Now  all 
my  misery  is  about  to  commence,"  cried  Courtenay,  as  he 
took  his  seat  at  the  gun-room  table,  on  which  the  dinner 
was  smoking  in  all  the  variety  of  pea-soup,  Irish  stew,  and 
boiled  mutton  with  caper  sauce. 

**  Indeed  !  "  said  the  master.  "  Pray,  then,  what  is  it 
that  you  have  been  grumbling  about,  ever  since  you  have 
joined  the  ship  ?  " 

"  Pshaw,  they  were  only  petty  vexations,  but  now  we  are 
at  sea.  I  shall  be  sea-sick.  I  am  always  obliged  to  throw 
off  the  accumulation  of  bile  whenever  I  go  out  of  harbour." 

**  I  say,  doctor,"  replied  Pearce,  "  can  you  stop  up  the 
leak  in  that  little  gentleman's  liver  ?  He's  not  content  to 
keep  a  hand-pump  going  to  get  rid  of  his  bile  when  in 
harbour,  but  it  seems  that  he  requires  the  chain-pumps  to 
be  manned  when  he  goes  to  sea." 

**  Chain-pumps  !  "  exclaimed  Courtenay  shuddering,  and 
drawing  back  his  head  with  a  grimace  at  the  idea  of  such  a 
forcible  discharge,  and  then  looking  round  at  his  mess- 
mates with  one  of  his  serio-comic  faces. 


138  The  King's  Own 

"Pumps  !  ay,"  said  Price  ;  "  you  remember  Shakespeare, 
in  the  '  Tempest ' — he  says — dear  me, — I " 

"  Come,  Price,"  said  Courtenay,  "  don't  make  me  sick 
before  my  time, — it's  unkind.  You  don't  know  what  an 
analogy  there  is  between  spouting  and  sea-sickness.  In 
both  cases  you  throw  up  what  is  nauseous,  because  your 
head  or  your  stomach  is  too  weak  to  retain  it.  Spare  me, 
then,  a  quotation,  my  dear  fellow,  till  you  see  me  in  the 
agony  of  Nature  aback,'  and  then  one  will  be  of  service 
in  assisting  her  efforts  to  *  box  off.'  I  say,  Billy  Pitt,  did 
you  stow  away  the  two  jars  of  pickled  cabbage  in  my 
cabin?" 

"We  must  here  break  off  the  conversation  to  introduce 
this  personage  to  the  reader.  He  was  a  black,  who  ran 
away,  when  quite  a  lad,  from  his  master  at  Barbadoes,  and 
entered  on  board  of  a  man-of-war.  Macallan,  the  surgeon, 
had  taken  a  fancy  to  him,  and  he  had  been  his  servant  for 
some  years,  following  him  into  different  ships.  He  was  a 
very  intelligent  and  singular  character.  Macallan  had 
taught  him  to  read  and  write,  and  he  was  not  a  little  proud 
of  his  acquirements.  He  was  excessively  good-humoured, 
and  a  general  favourite  of  the  officers  and  ship's  company, 
who  used  to  amuse  themselves  with  his  peculiarities,  and 
allow  him  a  greater  freedom  than  usual.  But  Billy's  grand 
forte^  in  his  own  opinion,  was  as  a  lexicographer.  He  had 
a  small  Entick's  dictionary,  which  he  always  carried  in  his 
jacket  pocket,  and  nothing  gave  him  so  much  pleasure  as 
any  one  referring  to  him  for  the  meaning  of  a  hard  word, 
which,  although  he  could  not  always  explain  correctly,  he 
certainly  did  most  readily.  Moreover,  he  was,  as  may  be 
supposed,  very  fond  of  interlarding  his  conversation  with 
high-sounding  phraseology,  without  much  regard  as  to  the 
context. 

Although  Billy  Pitt  was  the  doctor's  servant,  Courtenay, 
who  had  taken  a  great  fancy  to  him,  used  to  employ  him 
as  his  own,  to  which,  as  the  doctor  was  not  a  man  who 
required  much  attendance  himself,  and  was  very  good- 
natured,  no  objection  had  been  raised. 


The  King's  Own  139 

We  must  repeat  the  question — 

"I  say,  Billy  Pitt,  did  you  stow  away  the  two  jars  of 
pickled  cabbage  in  my  cabin  ?  " 

"  No,  sar,  I  no  hab  'em  to  stow.  Woman  say,  that  Mr 
Kartney  not  pay  for  the  pickled  onun — say  quite  incongrous 
send  any  more." 

"  Not  pay  for  the  onions  !  No,  to  be  sure  I  didn't,  but  I 
gave  her  a  fresh  order,  which  is  the  same  thing."  (Pearce 
laid  down  the  potato  which  he  was  in  the  act  of  peeling, 
and  stared  at  Courtenay  with  astonishment.)  '*  Well,  to  a 
London  tradesman,  it  is,  I  can  assure  you." 

"  It  may  be,  but  I  cannot  conceive  how.  If  you  owe  me 
ten  shillings,  I  can't  consider  borrowing  ten  more  the  same 
thing  as  paying  the  first." 

**  Pooh,  you  do  not  understand  these  things." 

"  I  do  not,  most  certainly,"  replied  the  master,  resuming 
his  potato. 

"  And  so  you  haven't  got  them  ?  "  resumed  Courtenay 
to  the  servant. 

**  No,  sar.  She  say  Massa  Kartney  owe  nine  shillings 
for  onuns,  and  say  I  owe  farteen  for  'baccy,  and  not  trust 
us  any  more.     I  tell  just  as  she  say,  sir.     Gentlemen  never 

pay  for  anything.     She  call  me  d d  nigger,  and  say,  like 

massa  like  man.  I  tell  her  not  give  any  more  rhoromantade, 
and  walk  out  of  shop." 

"  Well  how  cursed  annoying  !  Now  I  never  set  my  mind 
upon  anything  but  I'm  disappointed.  One  might  as  well 
be  Sancho  in  the  Isle  of  Barataria.  I  think  I'll  go  up  to 
the  captain,  and  ask  him  to  heave-to,  while  I  send  for  them. 
Do  you  think  he  would,  master,  eh  ? "  said  Courtenay,  in 
affected  simplicity  of  interrogation. 

"  You  had  better  try  him,"  replied  Pearce,  laughing. 

"  Well,  it  would  be  very  considerate  of  him,  and 
pickled  cabbage  is  the  only  thing  that  cures  my  sea- 
sickness."—  (Perceiving  Price  about  to  speak) — "Stop 
now — it's  no  use — there's  not  a  word  about  pickled  cabbage 
in  Shakespeare." 

**  I  did  not  say  that  there  was,"  retorted  Price ;  "  but 


I40  The  King's  Own 

there's  *  beef  without  mustard,'  and  that  will  be  your  case 
now." 

"  And  there's  *  Write  me  down  an  ass,' "  replied 
Courtenay,  who  was  not  a  little  vexed  at  the  loss  of  his 
favourite  condiment. 

"  Did  you  hear  what  Courtenay  said  of  you,  O'Keefe  ?  " 
continued  Price,  turning  to  the  purser — 

**  Yes — yes — I  know — hand  him  over  a  glass  ;  but  this 
is  not  a  clane  one.  Steward,  will  you  bring  a  clane  wine- 
glass?" 

The  rest  laughed,  while  Courtenay  proceeded. 

"  Why,  O'Keefe,  you  hear  better  than  ever.  I  say, 
doctor,  you  must  put  me  in  the  sick-list — I'm  not  fit  to 
take  charge  of  a  watch." 

"If  you'll  prove  that  to  me,"  replied  Macallan,  "I 
certainly  will  report  you." 

"  Well,  I'll  prove  it  to  you  in  five  seconds.  I'm  just  in 
that  state,  that  if  everything  in  the  ship  was  to  go  over- 
board to  the  devil,  I  shouldn't  care.  Now,  with  such  a 
feehng  of  indifference,  a  person  is  not  fit  to  be  trusted 
with  the  charge  of  a  watch." 

**  That  you're  not  fit  to  be  trusted  with  the  charge  of  a 
watch,  as  you  state  it  yourself,  I  shall  not  deny,"  replied 
Macallan ;  "  but  I  consider  that  to  be  a  complaint  for 
which  you  ought  rather  to  be  put  off  the  list  than  on 
it." 

"  Ha !  ha !  ha !  I  say,  Courtenay,  you  know  what 
Shakespeare  says,  *  'tis  the  curse  of  service,'  that — that — " 

"  All  hands,  'bout  ship !  "  now  resounded  through  the 
ship  as  it  was  repeated  in  the  variety  of  basses  of  the 
boatswain  and  his  mates,  at  either  hatchway — one  of  the 
youngsters  of  the  watch  running  down  at  the  same  time  to 
acquaint  the  officers,  in  his  shrill  falsetto,  with  that  which 
had  been  roared  out  loud  enough  to  startle  even  the  deaf 
purser.  The  first  lieutenant,  followed  by  the  master, 
brushed  by  him,  and  was  up  the  ladder  before  his  super- 
erogatory communication  could  be  delivered. 

"  How  cursed   annoying  !  "  cried  Courtenay.     "  I  was 


The  King's  Own  141 

just  feeling  a  little  better,  and  now  I  shall  be  worse  than 
ever." 

"You  recollect  in  the  'Tempest,'"  said  Price,  "where 
Shakespeare  says " 

"  Forecastle  there  !  "  roared  out  Captain  M ,  from 

the  quarter-deck,  in  a  voice  that  was  distinctly  heard 
below. 

'*  By  Jove  youM  better  skip  for  it,  or  you'll  have  what 

Captain  M says.      He's  hailing   your   station,"  said 

Courtenay,  laughing — a  piece  of  advice  immediately  acted 
upon  by  Price,  who  was  up  the  ladder  and  on  the  forecastle 
in  a  few  seconds. — "  And  I  must  go  up  too.  How  cursed 
annoying  to  be  stationed  in  the  waist !  Nothing  to  do, 
except  to  stop  my  ears  against  the  infernal  stamp-and-go  of 
the  marines  and  after-guards,  over  my  head ;  sweet  music 
to  a  first  lieutenant,  but  to  me  discord  most  horrible.  I 
could  stamp  with  vexation." 

**  Had  you  not  better  go  first  and  stamp  afterwards  ?  " 
observed  the  surgeon,  drily. 

**  I  think  I  had,  indeed,"  replied  Courtenay,  as  he  bolted 
out  of  the  gun-room  door. — "  Cursed  annoying  !  but  the 
captain's  such  a  bilious  subject." 


Chapter  XX 

This  chair  shall  be  my  state,  this  dagger  my  sceptre,  and  this  cushion  my 

crown. 

Henry  IV.  Part  I, 

We  must  now  descend  to  the  steerage,  where  our  hero  is 
seated  in  the  berth,  in  company  with  a  dozen  more  (as  they 
designated  themselves,  from  the  extreme  heat  of  their 
domicile)  perspiring  young  heroes,  who  were  amusing 
themselves  with  crunching  hard  biscuits,  and  at  the  same 
time  a  due  proportion  of  those  little  animals  of  the  scaribee 
tribe,  denominated  weevils,  who  had  located  themselves  in 
the  unleavened  bread,  and  which  the  midshipmen  declared  to 


142  The  King's  Own 

be  the  only  fresh  meat  which  they  had  tasted  for  some 
time. 

Captain    M 's    character    stood    so    high    at    the 

Admiralty,  that  the  major  part  of  the  young  aspirants  who 
had  been  committed  to  his  charge  were  of  good  family  and 
connections.  At  that  time  few  of  the  aristocracy  or  gentry 
ventured  to  send  their  sons  into  the  navy ;  whereas,  at 
present,  none  but  those  classes  can  obtain  admission. 

A  better  school  for  training  young  officers  could  not  have 
been  selected ;  and  the  midshipmen's  berth  of  the  Aspasia 

was  as  superior  to  those  in  other  ships,  as  Captain  M 

was  himself  to  the  generality  of  his  contemporary  captains 
in  the  service.  But  I  cannot  pay  these  young  men  the 
compliment  to  introduce  them  one  by  one,  as  I  did  the  gun- 
room officers.  It  would  be  an  anomaly  unheard  of^  I 
shall,  therefore,  with  every  respect  for  them,  describe  them 
just  as  I  want  them.  It  was  one  bell  after  eight  o'clock — 
a  bottle  of  ship's  rum,  a  black  jack  of  putrid  water,  and  a 
tin  bread-basket,  are  on  the  table,  which  is  lighted  with  a 
tallow  candle  of  about  thirteen  to  the  pound. 

"I  say,  Mr  Jerry  Sneak,  what  are  you  after  there — 
what  are  you  foraging  for  in  that  locker  }  "  said  one  of  the 
oldsters  of  the  berth  to  a  half-starved,  weak-looking  object 
of  a  youngster,  whose  friends  had  sent  him  to  sea  with  the 
hopes  of  improving  his  stamina. 

"  What  for  ? — why,  for  my  supper  if  you  must  know. 
D'ye  think  I  lool  too  fat  ?  I  stowed  it  away  before  I  went 
on  deck,  that  it  might  not  fall  into  your  ravenous  maw." 

"  Mind  your  stops,  my  Jack  of  the  Bonehouse,  or  I  shall 
shy  a  biscuit  at  your  head." 

"  Do,  and  prove  your  bravery  ;  it  will  be  so  very 
courageous.     I  suppose  you'll  expect  to  be  gazetted  for  it." 

The  youngster  who  had  been  dignified  with  the  above 
sobriquet,  and  who  made  these  replies,  was  certainly  a 
most  miserable-looking  object,  and  looked  as  if  a  top- 
gallant breeze  would  have  blown  him  to  atoms.  But  if 
his  body  was  weak,  his  tongue  was  most  powerful.  He 
resorted  to  no  other  weapon,  and  used  that  skilfully.     He 


The  King's  Own  143 

was  a  species  of  Thersites,  and  no  dread  of  punishment 
could  control  his  railing.  He  offered  no  resistance,  but 
bent  down  like  the  reed,  and  resumed  his  former  position 
as  soon  as  the  storm  was  over.  His  keen  and  sarcastic 
remarks,  although  they  occasionally  subjected  him  to 
chastisement,  to  a  certain  degree  served  him  as  a  defence, 
for  he  could  always  raise  a  laugh  at  the  expense  of  the 
individual  whom  he  attacked,  with  the  formidable  weapon 
which  he  had  inherited  direct  from  his  mother. 

The  oldster  before  mentioned  put  his  hand  into  the 
bread-basket,  and  seized  a  handful  of  the  biscuit.  "  Now 
ril  bet  you  a  glass  of  grog  that  you  don't  throw  a  biscuit 
at  my  head,"  cried  Jerry,  with  a  sneer. 

**  Done,"  replied  the  oldster,  throwing  the  contents  of 
his  hand  at  Jerry  with  all  his  force. 

**  I'll  just  trouble  you  for  that  glass  of  grog,  for  you've 
lost,"  said  the  youngster,  taking  it  up  from  the  table 
where  it  stood  before  the  oldster ;  "  you've  only  thrown 
some  pieces,  and  not  a  biscuit;"  and  following  up  his 
words  with  deeds,  he  swallowed  down  the  whole  contents 
of  the  tumbler,  which  he  replaced  very  coolly  before  his 
opponent. 

"  Fair  bet,  and  fairly  lost,"  cried  the  rest  of  the  berth, 
laughing. 

"  You  scarecrow !  you're  not  worth  thrashing,"  said 
the  oldster,  angrily. 

"Why,  that's  exactly  what  I  have  been  trying  to 
impress  upon  your  memory  ever  since  I  have  joined  the 
ship.  There's  no  credit  to  be  gained  by  licking  a  half- 
starved  wretch  like  I  am ;  but  there's  Bruce,  now " 
(pointing  to  one  of  the  oldsters,  between  whom  and  his 
opponent  a  jealousy  subsisted),  **  why  don't  you  lick  him  ? 
There  would  be  some  credit  in  that.  But  you  know 
better  than  to  try  it." 

**Do  I.?"  retorted  the  oldster,  forgetting  himself  in 
the  heat  of  the  moment. 

"  Yes,  you  do,"  replied  Bruce,  jumping  up  in  defiance; 
and  there  was  every  appearance  of  a  disturbance,  much 


144  The  King's  Own 

to  the  delight  of  Jerry,  who,  provided  that  they  fought, 
was  quite  indifferent  which  party  was  the  victor.  But 
a  fortunate  interruption  took  place,  by  the  appearance  of 
the  master-at-arms. 

"Nine  o'clock,  gentlemen,  if  you  please — the  lights 
must  be  put  out." 

"  Very  well,  master-at-arms,"  replied  one  of  the 
oldsters. 

The  master-at-arms  took  his  seat  on  a  chest  close  to 
the  door  of  the  berth,  aware  that  a  second  summons, 
if  not  a  third,  would  be  requisite,  before  his  object  was 
obtained.  In  a  few  minutes  he  again  put  his  head  into 
the  berth.  "Nine  o'clock,  gentlemen,  if  you  please. 
I  must  report  you  to  the  first  lieutenant." 

"  Very  well.  By  field — it  shall  be  out  in  a  minute." 

The  master-at-arms  resumed  his  station  on  the  chest 
outside. 

"Why,  it's  Saturday  night,"  cried  Bruce.  "Sweet- 
hearts and  wives,  my  boys,  though  I  believe  none  of  us 
are  troubled  with  the  latter.     Forster,  pass  the  rum." 

"  I'll  pass  the  bottle,  and  you  may  make  a  bull  of  it, 
if  you  choose." 

"  Confound  it,  no  more  grog — and  Saturday  night. 
I  must  drink  Auld  lang  syne,  by  Heavens." 

The  master-at-arms  again  made  his  appearance.  "  Gentle- 
men, you  must  put  the  light  out." 

"Stop  one  minute,  Byfield.  Let  us  see  whether  we 
can  get  any  more  rum." 

The  excuse  appeared  reasonable  to  the  jack  in  office, 
and  he  disappeared. 

"  Boy,  tell  Billy  Pitt  I  want  him." 

Billy  Pitt  had  turned  in,  but  was  soon  roused  out  of 
his  hammock,  and  made  his  appearance  at  the  berth  door, 
with  only  his  shirt  on  that  he  was  sleeping  in. 

"  You  want  me,  Massa  Bruce  ?  " 

"Billy,  my  beau,  you  know  everything.  We  sent  for 
you  to  tell  us  what's  the  meaning  of  a  repartee  ? " 

"  Repartee,  sir — repartee  ! — stop  a  bit — Eh — I  tell  you, 


The  King's  Own  145 

sir.     Suppose  you  call  me  dam  nigger — then  I  call  you 

one    dam    dirty   white-livered    son   of    a   b ;    dat   a 

repartee,  sir." 

"Capital,  Billy — you  shall  be  a  bishop.  But,  Billy, 
has  your  master  got  any  rum  in  his  cabin  ? " 

*'  Which  massa,  sir  ?  Massa  Courtenay,  or  Massa 
Doctor  ? " 

"Oh !  Courtenay,  to  be  sure.    The  surgeon  never  has  any." 

"  Yes,  sar,  I  tink  he  have  a  little." 

**  Be  quick,  Billy,  and  fetch  it.  I  will  give  it  you  back 
at  the  tub  to-morrow." 

**  Suppose  you  forget,  sir,  you  put  me  in  very  fine 
predical-ament.  Massa  Courtenay  look  dam  blue — no,  he 
not  look  blue,  but  he  look  dam  yellow,"  replied  Billy, 
showing  his  white  teeth  as  he  grinned. 

"  But  I  won't  forget,  Billy,  upon  my  honour." 

"Well,  honour  quite  enough  between  two  gentlemen. 
I  go  fetch  the  bottle." 

Billy  soon  reappeared  with  a  quart  bottle  of  rum,  just 
as  three  bells  were  struck.  "  By  gad,  I  rattle  the  bottle 
as  I  take  him  out — wake  Mr  Courtenay — he  say,  dam 
black  fellow  he  make  everything  adrift — cursed  annoying, 
he  say,  and  go  to  sleep  again." 

"  Really,  gentlemen,  I  cannot  wait  any  longer,"  resumed 
the  master-at-arms ;  "  the  lights  must  be  reported,  or  I 
shall  be  in  disgrace." 

"Very  true,  Byfield;  you  are  only  doing  your  duty. 
Will  you  take  a  glass  of  grog  ? " 

"  If  you  please,"  replied  Mr  Byfield,  taking  ofF  his  hat. 
"  Your  health,  gentlemen." 

"  Thank  you,"  replied  the  midshipmen. 

"Tank  you,  sir,"  replied  also  Billy  Pitt. 

"Well,  Billy.  What's  the  last  word  you  read  in  your 
dictionary  ? " 

"  Last  word  ?  Let  me  see — Oh !  commission,  sar. 
You  know  dat  word  ? " 

"  Commission  !  We  all  know  what  that  is,  Billy,  and 
shall  be  glad  to  get  it  too,  by-and-bye." 

K.      I.  K 


146  The  King's  Own 

"  Yes,  sar ;  but  there  are  two  kind  of  commission.  One 
you  want,  obliged  to  wait  for ;  one  I  want,  always  have  at 
once, — commission  as  agent,  sar." 

**  Oh,  I  understand,"  replied  Bruce  ;  "  five  per  cent,  on 
the  bottle,  eh  ?  " 

**  Five  per  cent,  not  make  a  tiff  glass  of  grog,  Massa 
Bruce." 

"  Well,  then,  Billy,  you  shall  have  ten  per  cent.," 
replied  the  midshipman,  pouring  him  out  a  north-wester. 
«*  Will  that  do?" 

The  black  had  the  politeness  to  drink  the  health  of  all 
the  gentlemen  of  the  berth  separately,  before  he  poured 
the  liquor  down  his  throat.  **  Massa  Bruce,  I  tink  doctor 
got  a  little  rum  in  his  cabin." 

**  Go  and  fetch  it,  Billy  j  you  shall  have  it  back  to- 
morrow." 

"  Honour,  Mr  Bruce." 

"  Honour,  Mr  Pitt." 

'*  Ten  per  cent.,  Massa  Bruce,"  continued  Billy,  grinning. 

"  Ten  per  cent,  is  the  bargain." 

"  I  go  see." 

Another  quart  bottle  made  its  appearance;  and  the 
agent  having  received  his  commission,  made  his  bow,  and 
returned  to  his  hammock. 

**I  do — really — think — upon — my  word — that  that — 
black — scoundrel — would  —  sell — his —  own — mother — for 
— a — stiff — glass — of — grog,"  observed  a  youngster,  of 
the  name  of  Prose,  a  cockney,  who  drawled  out  his  words, 
which,  "  like  a  wounded  snake,  dragged  their  slow  length 
along." 

"  The  lights,  gentlemen,  if  you  please,"  resumed  the 
master-at-arms,  putting  his  head  again  into  the  door. 

"  Another  commission,"  said  Jerry  :  **  a  tax  upon  light. 
Billy  Pitt  has  the  best  right  to  it." 

A  second  glass  of  grog  was  poured  out,  and  the  bribe 
disappeared  down  Mr  Byfield's  gullet. 

"  Now  we'll  put  the  light  out,"  said  one  of  the  oldsters, 
covering  the  candlestick  with  a  hat. 


The  King's  Own  147 

"If  you  will  put  your  candle  into  my  lanthorn,"  ob- 
served the  obsequious  master-at-arms,  "  I  can  then  report 
the  lights  out.  Of  course  you  will  allow  it  to  remain 
there  ?  " 

The  suggestion  was  adopted ;  and  the  light  was  reported 
out  to  the  first  lieutenant,  at  the  very  moment  that  it  was 
taken  out  of  the  lanthorn  again,  and  replaced  in  the  candle- 
stick. The  duplicate  supply  began  to  have  its  effect  upon 
our  incipient  heroes,  who  commenced  talking  of  their  friends. 
Bruce,  a  fine,  manly,  honourable  Scotchman,  had  the 
peculiarity  of  always  allying  himself,  when  half  drunk,  to 
the  royal  house  who  formerly  sat  upon  the  throne  of 
England  :  but,  when  quite  intoxicated,  he  was  so  treason- 
able as  to  declare  himself  the  lawful  King  of  Great 
Britain.  Glass  after  glass  increased  his  propinquity  to  the 
throne,  till  at  last  he  seated  himself  on  it,  and  the  uproar 
of  the  whole  party  rose  to  that  height,  that  the  first 
lieutenant  sent  out,  desiring  the  midshipmen  immediately 
to  retire  to  their  hammocks. 

"  Send  me  to  bed !  *  Proud  man,  dressed  in  a  little 
brief  authority.'  If  the  Lord's  anointed  had  been  respected, 
he,  with  millions,  would  be  now  bending  the  knee  to  me. 
Well,  if  I  can't  be  King  of  all  England,  at  least  I'll  be  king 
in  this  berth.  Tell  me,"  cried  Bruce,  seizing  the  unfor- 
tunate Prose  by  the  collar,  "  am  I  not  king  ?  " 

"  Why — according—  to — the— best — of — my — belief," 
said  Prose,  "I — should — rather — be — inclined — to — think 
— that — you — are — not — the — king." 

**  Am  not,  base  slave  ! "  cried  Bruce,  throwing  him  on 
the  deck,  and  putting  his  foot  on  his  chest. 

"  No — if — I  die  for  it — I  don't  care — but  if  you  are — 
not  king — I  must  own — that — you  are  one  of — my  thirty 
tyrants,"  drawled  out  Prose,  half  suffocated  with  the 
pressure. 

"  I — do — declare,"  cried  Jerry,  imitating  Prose's  drawl, 

that — he — has  squeezed — a  pun — out — of  you." 

Am  not  I  king  ? "  resumed  Bruce,  seizing  Jerry,  who 
had  advanced  within  reach,  to  laugh  at  Prose. 


(C 


148  The  King's  Own 

"  I  feel  that  you  ought  to  be,"  replied  Jerry :  *<  and  I 
don't  doubt  your  lineal  descent :  for  you  have  all  the 
dispositions  of  the  race  from  which  you  claim  descent.  A 
boon,  your  gracious  majesty,"  continued  Jerry,  bending  on 
one  knee. 

"Thou  shalt  have  it,  my  loyal  subject,"  replied  Bruce, 
who  was  delighted  with  the  homage,  **  even  (as  Ahasuerus 
said  to  Esther)  to  the  half  of  my  kingdom." 

"  God  forbid  that  I  should  deprive  your  majesty  of  that," 
replied  Jerry,  smiling  at  the  idea  of  halving  nothing,  "  It 
is  only  to  request  that  I  may  not  keep  the  middle  watch  to- 
night." 

"  Rise,  Jerry,  you  shall  not  keep  a  night-watch  for  a 
fortnight." 

"  I  humbly  thank  your  most  gracious  majesty,"  replied 
the  astute  boy,  who  was  a  youngster  of  the  watch  of 
which  Bruce  was  mate. 

As  the  reader  may  be  amused  with  the  result  of  this 
promise,  he  must  know,  that  Bruce,  who  did  not  recollect 
what  had  passed,  when  he  perceived  Jerry  not  to  be  on 
deck,  sent  down  for  him.  The  youngster,  on  his  appear- 
ance, claimed  his  promise ;  and  his  claim  was  allowed  by 
Bruce,  rather  than  he  would  acknowledge  himself  to  have 
been  intoxicated.  Jerry,  upon  the  strength  of  the  agree- 
ment, continued,  for  more  than  the  prescribed  time,  to 
sleep  in  every  night-watch,  until,  aware  that  he  was  no 
longer  safe,  he  thought  of  an  expedient  which  would 
probably  ensure  him  one  night  longer,  and  prevent  a 
disagreeable  interruption  of  his  dreams.  Prose,  whose 
hammock  was  hung  up  next  the  hatchway,  had  a  bad  cold, 
and  Jerry  thought  it  prudent  to  shift  his  berth,  that  he 
might  not  be  found. 

"  It's  the  draught  from  the  hatchway  that  makes  your 
cold  so  bad.  Prose  5  you'll  never  get  well  while  you 
sleep  there.  I  will  give  you  my  inside  berth  until  it  is 
better — it  is  really  quite  distressing  to  hear  you  cough." 

"  Well,  now,  Jerry,  that's  what  I  call  very  good-natured 
of  you.     I  have  not  had  such  a  friendly  act  done  towards 


The  King's  Own  149 

me  since  I  joined  the  ship,  and  I  do  assure  you,  Jerry, 
that  I  shall  not  be  ungrateful — I  shall  not  forget  it." 

It  happened  that,  on  the  very  night  that  Prose  ex- 
changed berths  with  Jerry,  Bruce  made  his  calculation 
that  the  fortnight  had  elapsed  three  days  back:  and 
although  he  felt  himself  bound  in  honour  to  keep  his 
promise,  yet  feeling  rather  sore  at  being  over-reached, 
he  now  ordered  the  quarter-master  to  cut  Jerry's  hammock 
down  by  the  head.  This  was  supposed  to  be  done,  and 
poor  Prose,  who  had  just  fallen  asleep  after  keeping  the 
previous  watch,  awoke  with  a  stunning  sensation,  and 
found  his  feet  up  at  the  beams  and  his  head  on  the 
deck ;  while  Jerry,  who  had  been  awakened  by  the 
noise,  was  obliged  to  cram  the  sheets  into  his  mouth, 
that  his  laughter  might  be  unperceived. 

"  Well  now,  I  do  declare,  this  is  too  bad — I  most 
certainly  will  complain  to  the  captain,  to-morrow  morning 
— as  sure  as  my  name  is  Prose.  Sentry,  bring  me  a 
light,  and  assist  me  to  get  my  hammock  up  again — I  will 
not  put  up  with  this  treatment — I  do  declare  ; "  and  so 
saying.  Prose  once  more  resumed  his  position  in  his  pre- 
carious dormitory. 

But,  during  our  digression,  the  berth  has  become  empty 
— some  walking,  and  others,  particularly  his  majesty, 
reeling  to  bed.  So  we  shall  close  this  chapter,  from 
which  the  reader  may  perceive,  that,  even  in  the  best 
regulated  ships,  there  is  more  going  on  in  a  midshipmen's 
berth  than  a  captain  is  acquainted  with,  or  that  comes 
between  Heaven  and  his  philosophy. 


Chapter   XXI 

With  leave,  Bassanio,  I  am  half  yourself,  and  I  must  freely  have  the  half  of 
anything  that  this  same  paper  brings  you. 

Shakespeare. 

The  castle  which  had  been  built  by  the  ancestors  of  Mr 
Rainscourt,  and  which,  in  feudal  times,  had  been  one  of 


150  The  King's  Own 

strength  and  importance,  was  about  two  miles  from  the 

town   of ,  in  the  county  of  Galway,   on  the  west 

coast  of  Ireland  ;  and,  as  Mr  Rainscourt  had  correctly 
surmised,  when  he  returned  to  it,  no  officer  could  be 
found  who  was  bold  enough  to  venture  his  life  by  an 
attempt  at  caption,  surrounded  as  he  was  by  a  savage 
and  devoted  peasantry,  who  had  no  scruples  at  blood- 
shed. Immured  within  its  walls,  with  little  to  interest, 
and  no  temptation  to  expend  money,  Mr  and  Mrs  Rains- 
court  lived  for  nearly  two  years  indulging  their  spleen 
and  discontent  in  mutual  upbraidings,  —  their  feelings 
towards  each  other,  from  incessant  irritation,  being  now 
rather  those  of  hatred  than  any  other  term  that  could  be 
applied.  The  jewels  of  Mrs  Rainscourt,  and  every  other 
article  that  could  be  dispensed  with,  had  been  sold,  and 
the  purse  was  empty.  The  good-will  of  the  tenants  of 
the  mortgaged  property  had  for  some  time  supplied  the 
ill-assorted  couple  with  the  necessaries  of  life ;  every  day 
added  to  their  wants,  to  their  hatred,  and  their  despair. 

They  were  seated  at  the  table,  having  finished  a  dinner 
off  some  game  which  Mr  Rainscourt  had  procured  with 
his  gun,  and  which  had  been  their  fare,  with  little  variety, 
ever  since  the  shooting  season  had  commenced  :  when  the 
old  nurse,  the  only  domestic  they  retained, — probably 
the  only  one  who  would  remain  with  them  without  re- 
ceiving wages, — made  her  appearance.  "And  sure  there's 
a  letter  for  the  master  :  Barney,  the  post-boy,  is  just 
bringing  it." 

"  Well,  where  is  it  ?  "  replied  Rainscourt. 

"  He  says  that  it's  two  thirteens  that  must  be  paid  for  it, 
and  the  dirty  spalpeen  of  a  post-master  tould  him  not  to 
give  you  the  letter  without  the  money  for  it  in  his  fist." 

"  Tell  Barney  to  step  in  here — have  you  two  shillings, 
Mrs  Rainscourt  ? " 

"  Not  one,  Mr  Rainscourt,"  replied  the  lady,  gloomily. 

The  nurse  reappeared  with  Barney. 

"Well,  Barney,  where's  the  letter?"  said  Mr  Rains- 
court 1  "let  me  look  at  it." 


The  King's  Own  151 

*'  Sure,  your  honour,  it's  not  me  that's  refusing  it  ye. 
But  the  muster  tould  me — *  Barney,'  says  he,  *  if  you 
give  his  honour  the  letter  without  the  two  thirteens  in 
your  fist,  it's  a  good  bating  that  I'll  give  ye  when  you 
come  back.' " 

**  Well,  but,  Barney,  let  me  look  at,  and  see  by  the  post- 
mark where  it's  from.  I  shall  know,  directly,  whether  I 
will  take  it  up  or  not." 

**  And  suppose  that  your  honour  should  wish  to  open 
the  letter !  It's  not  for  gentlemen  like  ye  to  be  standing 
against  the  temptation ; — and  then,  the  two  thirteens,  your 
honour." 

"  Well,  Barney,  since  you  won't  trust  me,  and  I  have  no 
money,  you  must  take  the  letter  back.  It  might  bring  me 
good  news — I  have  had  nothing  but  bad  of  late." 

"And  sure  enough  it  might  bring  you  good  news. 
Then,  your  honour  shall  take  the  letter  and  I'll  take  the 
bating ;^^  and  the  good-natured  lad  pulled  out  the  letter 
from  his  pocket,  and  gave  it  to  Rainscourt. 

Rainscourt,  who  first  wished  to  ascertain  whether  it  was 
one  of  his  usual  dunning  correspondents,  examined  the 
post-mark  and  handwriting  of  the  superscription,  that  he 
might  return  it  unopened,  and  save  poor  Barney  from  the 
beating  which  he  had  volunteered  to  receive  for  his  sake ; 
but  the  hand  was  unknown  to  him,  and  the  post-mark  was 
so  faint  and  illegible  that  he  could  not  decipher  it.  He 
looked  into  the  sides  of  the  letter,  and  the  few  words  which 
he  could  read  whetted  his  curiosity. 

"  I'm  afraid,  Barney,  that  I  must  open  it." 

"  Good  luck  to  your  honour,  then,  and  may  it  prove  so." 

The  letter  was  opened,  and  the  contents  threw  a  gleam 
of  pleasure,  which  had  been  rarely  seen  of  late  on  the  brow 
of  the  reader.  His  wife  had  watched  his  countenance. 
**  Barney,"  cried  Rainscourt,  with  delight,  **  call  to-morrow, 
and  I'll  give  you  a  guinea." 

"Sure  your  honour's  in  luck,  and  me  too,"  replied  Barney, 
grinning,  and  backing  out  of  the  room.  "  I'll  go  take  my 
bating  at  once." 


152  The  King's  Own 

But,  to  explain  the  contents  of  this  letter,  we  must 
narrate  events  of  which  we  have  lost  sight  in  following  up 
the  naval  career  of  our  hero. 

About  three  weeks  after  the  death  of  Admiral  De  Courcy, 
the  line-of-battle  ship  in  which  old  Adams  had  sailed  with 
our  hero  under  his  protection,  returned  into  port.  The 
vicar,  who  anxiously  awaited  her  arrival,  immediately  pro- 
ceeded there,  that  he  might  claim  Willy  in  the  capacity  of 
his  guardian.  Having  obtained  the  address  of  Captain 
M ,  he  called  upon  him,  and  opened  his  case  by  re- 
questing that  the  boy  might  be  permitted  to  come  on  shore. 
He  was  proceeding  to  narrate  the  change  which  had  taken 
place  in  his  ward's  prospects,  when  he  was  interrupted  by 

Captain  M ,  who,  first  detailing  the  death  of  old  Adams, 

and  the  conduct  of  Willy,  stated  that  he  had  sent  the  boy 
home  in  the  prize  for  an  outfit.     It  was  with  great  feeling 

that   Captain   M was   forced    to   add   the   apparent 

certainty,  that  the  vessel,  which  had  never  been  heard  of, 
had  foundered  at  sea. 

Shocked  at  the  intelligence,  which  was  communicated  at 
a  moment  when  his  heart  was  expanded  at  the  idea  of 
having  been  instrumental  in  repairing  the  injustice  and 
neglect  which  had  been  shown  towards  his  protege y  the 
vicar,  not  caring  to  mention  to  a  stranger  the  family 
particulars  upon  which  his  request  had  been  grounded, 
withdrew,  without  even  giving  his  name  or  address. 
Three  years  afterwards,  when,  as  we  have  narrated,  our 

hero  again  made  his  appearance.  Captain  M had  no 

clue  to  guide  him,  by  which  he  might  communicate  the 
intelligence  of  his  recovery,  to  one  whom  he  naturally  con- 
cluded did  not  make  such  inquiries  without  having  some 
interest  in  our  hero's  welfare. 

The  vicar,  in  the  meantime,  although  he  had  every 
reason  to  believe  that  Willy  was  no  more,  resorted  to  every 
means  that  his  prudence  could  suggest  to  ascertain  the 
positive  fact.  For  many  months  the  most  strict  inquiries 
were  set  afloat  by  his  agents,  whether  a  captured  vessel 
had  been  wrecked  on  the  French  coast.     The  prisoners  at 


The  King's  Own  153 

Verdun  and  other  depots  were  examined,  rewards  were 
offered,  by  emissaries  in  France,  for  the  discovery  of  the 
boy,  but  without  success.  Having  waited  two  years,  all 
hope  became  extinct,  and  the  letter  now  received  by  Mr 
Rainscourt  was  from  the  vicar,  acquainting  him  with  the 
circumstances,  and  surrendering  up  the  property  to  him  as 
next  of  kin. 

"Pray,  Mr  Rainscourt,  may  I  ask  the  contents  of  a 
letter,  the  perusal  of  which  not  only  makes  you  so 
generous,  but  implies  that  you  expect  to  have  the  means  of 
being  so  ? " 

When  happy  ourselves,  especially  when  unexpectedly  so, 
we  feel  kindly  disposed  towards  others.  For  a  moment 
Rainscourt  seemed  to  have  forgotten  all  his  differences 
with  his  wife ;  and  he  as  readily  imparted  to  her  his  good 
fortune  as  he  had,  on  a  previous  occasion,  his  disappoint- 
ment. 

"  My  dear  Clara,  the  grandchild  is  dead,  and  we  have 
possession  of  the  property." 

"  My  dear  Clara  !  !  "  Such  an  epithet  had  never  been 
used  since  the  first  week  of  their  marriage.  Overcome  by 
the  joyful  intelligence,  but  more  overcome  by  the  kind 
expression  of  her  husband,  which  recalled  the  days  when 
she  fondly  loved,  Mrs  Rainscourt  burst  into  tears,  and 
throwing  herself  down  with  her  face  on  his  knees,  poured 
out,  in  sobs,  her  gratitude  to  Heaven,  and  her  revived 
affection  for  her  husband. 

Their  daughter  Emily,  now  ten  years  old,  astonished  at 
so  unusual  a  scene,  ran  up,  impelled  as  it  were,  by  instinct, 
and  completed  the  family  group,  by  clinging  to  her  father. 
Rainscourt,  who  was  affected,  kissed  the  brow  of  the  child, 
and  congratulated  her  on  becoming  an  heiress. 

**  I  never  knew  before  that  money  would  do  so  much 
good,"  observed  the  child,  referring  to  the  apparent 
reconciliation  of  her  parents. 

Mrs  Rainscourt  rose  from  her  position,  and  sat  down  at 
the  table,  leaning  her  face  upon  her  hands.  "  I  am  afraid 
that  it  has  come  too  late,"   said  she,  mournfully,  as  she 


154  The  King's  Own 

recalled  the  years  of  indifference  and  hostility  which  had 
preceded. 

Mrs  Rainscourt  was  correct  in  her  supposition.  Respect 
and  esteem  had  long  departed,  and  without  their  aid, 
truant  love  was  not  to  be  reclaimed.  The  feeling  of 
renewed  attachment  was  as  transient  as  it  was  sudden. 

"  I  must  be  off  to  England  immediately,"  observed  the 
husband.  **  I  presume  that  I  shall  have  no  difficulty  in 
obtaining  money  from  the  bank  when  I  show  this  letter. 

Old will  be  ready  enough  to  thrust  his  notes  into 

my  hands  now." 

"  Shall  we  not  go  with  you,  Mr  Rainscourt  ?  " 

"  No  ;  you  had  better  remain  here  till  I  have  arranged 
matters  a  little.  I  must  settle  with  three  cursed  money- 
lenders,  and   take   up   the   bonds   from   T .      Little 

scoundrel !  he'll  be  civil  enough." 

"  Well,  Mr  Rainscourt,  it  must,  I  suppose,  be  as  you 
decide ;  but  neither  Emily  nor  I  are  very  well  equipped  in 
our  wardrobes,  and  you  will  not  be  exactly  competent  to 
execute  our  commissions." 

"  And  therefore  shall  execute  none." 

"Do  you,  then,  mean  to  leave  us  here  in  rags  and 
beggary,  while  you  are  amusing  yourself  in  London  ? " 
replied  Mrs  Rainscourt,  with  asperity.  "With  your 
altered  circumstances,  you  will  have  no  want  of  society, 
either  male  ox  female^''  continued  the  lady,  with  an  emphasis 
upon  the  last  word — "and  a  luife  will  probably  be  an 
encumbrance." 

"  Certainly  not  such  a  kind  and  affectionate  one  as  you 
have  proved,  my  dear,"  replied  the  gentleman,  sarcastically ; 
"  nevertheless  I  must  decline  the  pleasure  of  your  company 
till  I  have  time  to  look  about  me  a  little." 

"  Perhaps,  Mr  Rainscourt,  now  that  you  will  be  able  to 
afford  it,  you  will  prefer  a  separate  establishment  ?  If  so,  I 
am  willing  to  accede  to  any  proposition  you  may  be 
inclined  to  make." 

"  That's  a  very  sensible  remark  of  yours,  my  dear,  and 
shall  receive  due  consideration." 


The  King's  Own  155 

"The  sooner  the  better,  sir,"  replied  the  piqued  lady, 
as  Mr  Rainscourt  quitted  the  room. 

"  My  dear  child,"  said  Mrs  Rainscourt  to  her  daughter, 
**  you  see  how  cruelly  your  father  treats  me.  He  is  a  bad 
man,  and  you  must  never  pay  attention  to  what  he  says." 

"Papa  told  me  just  the  same  of  you,  mamma,"  replied 
the  girl,  "  yesterday  morning,  when  you  were  walking  in 
the  garden." 

"  Did  he  !  The  wretch,  to  set  my  own  child  against 
me  !  "  cried  Mrs  Rainscourt,  who  had  just  been  guilty  of 
the  very  same  offence  which  had  raised  her  choler  against 
her  husband. 


Chapter  XXII 

The  Queen  of  night,  whose  vast  command 
Rules  all  the  sea,  and  half  the  land ; 
And  over  moist  and  crazy  brains, 
In  high  spring-tides  at  midnight  reigns. 

Hudibras, 

Among  the  millions  who,  on  the  allowed  and  appointed 
day,  lay  aside  their  worldly  occupations  to  bow  the  knee  to 
the  Giver  of  all  good,  directing  their  orisons  and  their 
thoughts  to  one  mercy-beaming  power,  like  so  many  rays 
of  light  concentrated  into  one  focus,  I  know  no  class  of 
people  in  whose  breasts  the  feeling  of  religion  is  more 
deeply  implanted  than  the  occupants  of  that  glorious 
specimen  of  daring  ingenuity — a  man-of-war.  It  is 
through  His  works  that  the  Almighty  is  most  sincerely 
reverenced,  through  them  that  His  infinite  power  is  with 
deepest  humility  acknowledged.  The  most  forcible  argu- 
ments, the  most  pathetic  eloquence  from  the  pulpit,  will 
not  affect  so  powerfully  the  mind  of  man,  as  the  investiga- 
tion of  a  blade  of  grass,  or  the  mechanism  of  the  almost 
imperceptible  insect.  If,  then,  such  is  the  effect  upon  man- 
kind in  general,  how  strong  must  be  the  impressions  of 
those  who  occupy  their  business  in  the  great  waters  ! 
These  men  "  see  the  works  of  the  Lord,  and  His  wonders 


156  The  King's  Own 

in  the  deep."  They  behold  Him  in  all  His  magnificence,  in 
all  His  beauty,  in  all  His  wrath,  in  all  His  vastness,  in  all  His 
variety.  Unassisted  by  theory,  they  practically  feel  that 
God  is  great,  and  their  worship,  although  dumb,  is  sincere. 

I  am  aware  that  it  is  the  idea  of  many  that  sailors  have 
little  or  no  religion :  and  their  dissolute  conduct,  when 
thrown  on  shore,  is  certainly  a  strong  argument  in  support 
of  this  opinion  j  but  they  must  not  be  so  partially  judged. 
Those  who  are  constantly  mixed  with  the  world,  and 
exposed  to  its  allurements,  are  subject  to  a  continual 
struggle  against  their  passions,  which  they  are  more 
enabled  to  restrain,  as  temptation  so  rapidly  succeeds 
temptation  that  one  destroys  the  other, — effacing  it  from 
their  recollection  before  they  have  had  time  to  mature 
their  embryo  guilt.  But  in  our  floating  monasteries,  where 
rigid  discipline  and  active  duties  allow  only  the  thoughts 
to  ramble  to  that  society  which  never  has  been  intended  to 
be  abandoned,  the  passions  are  naturally  impelled  towards 
that  world,  whose  temptations  are  so  much  increased  by 
long  and  unnatural  seclusion. 

In  the  mountain  lake,  whose  waters  are  daily  increasing, 
all  is  unruffled  till  their  own  weight  has  forced  its 
boundaries,  and  the  roaring  cataract  sweeps  everything 
before  it.  Such  is  the  licentious  and  impetuous  behaviour 
of  the  sailor  on  shore. 

But  on  board  he  is  a  different  being,  and  appears  as  if 
he  were  without  sin  and  without  guile.  Let  those,  then, 
who  turn  away  at  his  occasional  intemperance,  be  careful 
how  they  judge.  They  may  "  thank  God  that  they  are 
not  as  that  publican,"  and  yet  be  less  justified,  when 
weighed  in  that  balance,  where,  although  Justice  eyes 
the  beam,  Mercy  is  permitted  to  stand  by,  and  throw 
into  the  scale  her  thousand  little  grains  to  counterpoise 
the  mass  of  guilt. 

Religion  in  a  sailor  (I  mean  by  the  term,  a  common 
seaman)  is  more  of  an  active  than  a  passive  feeling.  It 
does  not  consist  in  reflexion  or  self-examination.  It  is 
in  externals   that   his    respect   to  the  Deity  is  manifest. 


The  King's  Own  157 

Witness  the  Sunday  on  board  of  a  man-of-war.  The 
care  with  which  the  decks  are  washed,  the  hauling 
taut,  and  neat  coiling  down  of  the  ropes,  the  studied 
cleanliness  of  person,  most  of  which  duties  are  performed 
on  other  days,  but  on  this  day  are  executed  with  an 
extra  precision  and  attention  on  the  part  of  the  seamen, 
because  it  is  Sunday,  Then  the  quiet  decorum  voluntarily 
observed;  the  attention  to  divine  service,  which  would 
be  a  pattern  to  a  congregation  on  shore ;  the  little  knots 
of  men  collected,  in  the  afternoon,  between  the  guns, 
listening  to  one  who  reads  some  serious  book;  or  the 
solitary  quarter-master,  poring  over  his  thumbed  Testa- 
ment, as  he  communes  with  himself, — all  prove  that 
sailors  have  a  deep-rooted  feeling  of  religion.  I  once 
knew  a  first  lieutenant  receive  a  severe  rebuke  from  a 
ship's  company.  This  officer,  observing  the  men  scattered 
listlessly  about  the  forecastle  and  waist  of  the  frigate, 
on  a  fine  Sunday  evening,  ordered  the  fiddler  up,  that 
they  might  dance.  The  ship's  company  thanked  him  for 
his  kindness,  but  stated  that  they  had  not  been  accustomed 
to  dance  on  that  day,  and  requested  that  the  music  might 
be  sent  below. 

The  Sunday  on  board  of  a  man-of-war  has  another 
advantage  over  the  Sabbath  on  shore :  it  is  hallowed 
throughout.  It  commences  with  respect  and  reverence, 
and  it  ends  with  the  same.  There  is  no  alehouse  to 
resort  to,  where  the  men  may  become  intoxicated;  no 
allurements  of  the  senses  to  disturb  the  calm  repose  of 
the  mind,  the  practical  veneration  of  the  day,  which 
bestows  upon  it  a  moral  beauty. 

It  was  on  the  evening  of  such  a  day  of  serenity,  after 
the  hammocks  had  been  piped  down  and  the  watch 
mustered,  that  Captain  M was  standing  on  the  gang- 
way of  the  Aspasia,  in  conversation  with  Macallan,  the 
surgeon.  It  was  almost  a  calm ;  the  sails  were  not  asleep 
with  the  light  airs  that  occasionally  distended  them,  but 
flapped  against  the  lofty  masts  with  the  motion  communi- 
cated to  the  vessel  by  the  undulating  wave.     The  moon, 


158  The  King's  Own 

nearly  at  her  full,  was  high  in  the  heavens,  steering  for 
the  zenith  in  all  her  beauty,  without  one  envious  cloud  to 
obscure  the  refulgence  of  her  beams,  which  were  reflected 
upon  the  water  in  broad  and  wavering  lines  of  silver. 

The  blue  wave  was  of  a  deeper  blue — so  clear  and  so 
transparent  that  you  fancied  you  could  pierce  through  a 
fathomless  perspective,  and  so  refreshing,  so  void  of  all 
impurity,  that  it  invited  you  to  glide  into  its  bosom. 

"  How  clear  the  moon  shines  to-night !  to-morrow, 
I  think,  will  be  full  moon." 

"It  would  be  well,"  observed  the  surgeon  in  reply  to 
the  remark  of  the  captain,  "  to  request  the  officer  of  the 
watch  not  to  permit  the  men  to  sleep  on  the  upper-deck. 
"We  shall  have  many  of  them  moon-blind." 

"  I  have  often  heard  that  effect  of  the  moon  in  the 
tropics  mentioned,  but  have  never  seen  it.  In  what 
manner  does  it  affect  the  eyes  ?  " 

"The  moon  can  act  but  in  one  way,  sir,"  replied 
Macallan — "  by  attraction.  The  men  who  are  affected, 
see  perfectly  well  in  broad  daylight;  but  as  soon  as  it 
is  dusk,  their  powers  of  vision  are  gone  altogether.  At 
the  usual  time  at  which  the  hammocks  are  piped  down, 
they  will  not  be  able  to  distinguish  the  numbers.  I  have 
had  sixty  men  in  one  ship  in  the  situation  I  have  described." 

"We  ridicule  the  opinion  of  the  ancients,  relative  to 
the  powers  of  this  planet,"  observed  the  captain ;  "  but, 
at  the  same  time,  I  have  often  heard  more  ascribed  to 
her  influence  than  the  world  in  general  are  inclined  to 
credit.  That  she  regulates  the  tides  is,  I  believe,  the 
only  point  upon  which  there  is  now  no  scepticism." 

"  There  has  been  scepticism  even  upon  that,  sir.  Did 
you  ever  read  a  work  entitled  *  Theory  of  the  Tides '  ? 
I  can,  however,  state  some  other  points,  from  observation, 
in  which  the  moon  has  power." 

"  Over  lunatics,  I  presume  ? " 

"  Most  certainly ;  and  why  not,  therefore,  over  those 
who  are  rational .?  We  observe  the  effect  more  clearly  in 
the  lunatic,  because  his  mind  is  in  a  state  of  feverish  excite- 


The  King's  Own  159 

ment ;  but  if  the  moon  can  act  upon  the  diseased  brain,  it 
must  also  have  power,  although  less  perceptible,  over  the 
mind  which  is  in  health.  I  believe  that  there  is  an  ebb  and 
flow  of  power  in  our  mechanism,  corresponding  to  the 
phases  of  the  moon.  I  mean,  that  the  blood  flows  more 
rapidly,  and  the  powers  of  nature  are  more  stimulated,  at 
the  flood  and  full,  than  at  the  ebb  and  neap,  when  a  reaction 
takes  place  in  proportion  to  the  previous  acceleration.  Dr 
Mead  has  observed,  that  of  those  who  are  at  the  point  of 
death,  nine  out  of  ten  quit  this  world  at  the  ebb  of  the  tide. 
Does  not  this  observation  suggest  the  idea,  that  nature  has 
relaxed  her  efforts  during  that  period,  after  having  been 
stimulated  during  the  flood  ?  Shakespeare,  who  was  a  crue 
observer  of  nature,  has  not  omitted  this  circumstance ; 
speaking  of  the  death  of  Falstaff*,  Mrs  Quickly  observes, 
*  It  was  just  at  the  turn  of  the  tide.' " 

"  Well,  but,  Mr  Macallan,  laying  aside  hypothesis,  what 
have  you  ascertained,  from  actual  observation,  besides  that 
which  we  term  moon-blindness  ? " 

"  The  effect  of  the  moon  upon  fish,  and  other  animal 
matter,  hung  up  in  its  rays  at  night.  If  under  the  half- 
deck,  they  would  remain  perfectly  sweet  and  eatable ;  but 
if  exposed  to  the  moon's  rays,  in  the  tropics,  they  will,  in 
the  course  of  one  night,  become  putrid  and  unwholesome. 
They  emit  no  smell ;  but  when  eaten  will  produce  diarrhoea, 
almost  as  violent  as  if  you  had  taken  poison." 

"I  have  heard  that  stated,  also,  by  seamen,"  said  the 
captain  ;  "  but  have  never  witnessed  it." 

"  A  remarkable  and  corroborative  instance  occurred, 
when  I  was  in  the  Bay  of  Annapolis,"  resumed  the  surgeon. 
"  I  was  becalmed  in  a  small  vessel,  and  amused  myself  with 
fishing.  I  pulled  up  several  herrings  ;  but,  to  my  astonish- 
ment, they  were  putrid  and  sodden  an  hour  or  two  after 
they  were  dead.  I  observed  the  circumstance  to  one  of 
the  fishermen,  who  informed  me  that  several  hundred 
barrels,  taken  at  a  fishery  a  few  miles  off",  had  all  been 
spoiled  in  the  same  manner.  I  asked  the  reason,  and  the 
answer  was,  *  that  they  had  been  spawned  at  the  full  of 


i6o  The  King's  Own 

the  moon.'  How  far  the  man  was  correct,  I  know  not ; 
but  he  stated  that  the  circumstance  had  occurred  before, 
and  was  well  known  to  the  older  fishermen." 

"  Very  singular,"  replied  Captain  M .     **  We  are  too 

apt  to  reject  the  whole,  because  we  have  found  a  part  to 
be  erroneous.  That  the  moon  is  not  the  Hecate  formerly 
supposed,  I  believe  ;  but  she  seems  to  have  more  power  than 
is  usually  ascribed  to  her.     Is  that  seven  bells  striking  ? " 

**  It  is,  sir  ;  the  time  has  slipped  rapidly  away.  I  shall 
wish  you  good-night." 

"  Good-night,"  replied  Captain  M ,  who  for  some 

time  after  the  departure  of  the  surgeon,  continued  leaning 
over  the  rail  of  the  entering-port,  in  silent  contemplation 
of  the  glassy  wave,  until  the  working  of  his  mind  was 
expressed  in  the  following  apostrophe  : — 

"  Yes — placid  and  beautiful  as  thou  art,  there  is  foul 
treachery  in  thy  smile.  Who  knows  but  that,  one  day, 
thou  mayest,  in  thy  fury,  demand  as  thy  victim  the  form 
which  thou  so  peaceably  reflectest  ?  Ever-craving  epicure ! 
thou  must  be  fed  with  the  healthy  and  the  brave.  The 
gluttonous  earth  preys  indiscriminately  upon  the  diseased 
carcasses  of  age,  infancy,  and  manhood ;  but  thou  must  be 
more  daintily  supplied.  Health  and  vigour — prime  of  life, 
and  joyous  heart — high  beating  pulse,  and  energy  of  soul 
— active  bodies,  and  more  active  minds — such  is  the  food 
in  which  thou  delightest :  and  with  such  dainty  fare  wilt 
thou  ever  be  supplied,  until  the  Power  that  created  thee, 
with  the  other  elements,  shall  order  thee  to  pass  away." 

The  bell  struck  eight,  and  its  sharp  peals,  followed  by 
the  hoarse  summoning  of  the  watch  below,  by  the  boat- 
swain's mates,  disturbed  his  reverie,  and  Captain  M 

descended  to  his  cabin. 

And  now,  reader,  I  shall  finish  this  chapter.  You  may, 
perhaps,  imagine  that  I  have  the  scene  before  me,  and  am 
describing  from  nature :  if  so,  you  are  in  error.  I  am 
seated  in  the  after-cabin  of  a  vessel,  endowed  with  as 
liberal  a  share  of  motion  as  any  in  his  Majesty's  service : 
whilst  I  write  I  am   holding   on  by  the  table,  my  legs 


The  King's  Own  i6i 

entwined  in  the  lashings  underneath,  and  I  can  barely 
manage  to  keep  my  position  before  my  manuscript.  The 
sea  is  high,  the  gale  fresh,  the  sky  dirty,  and  threatening 
a  continuance  of  what  our  transatlantic  descendants  would 
term  a  pretty-considerable-tarnation-strong  blast  of  wind. 
The  top-gallant-yards  are  on  deck,  the  masts  are  struck, 
the  guns  double-breeched,  and  the  bulwarks  creaking  and 
grinding  in  most  detestable  regularity  of  dissonance  as  the 
vessel  scuds  and  lurches  through  a  cross  and  heavy  sea. 
The  main-deck  is  afloat :  and,  from  the  careless  fitting  of 
the  half-ports  at  the  dock-yard,  and  neglect  of  caulking  in 
the  cants,  my  fore-cabin  is  in  the  same  predicament.  A 
bubbling  brook  changing  its  course,  ebbing  and  flowing  as 
it  were  with  the  rolling  of  the  ship,  is  dashing  with  mimic 
fury  against  the  trunks  secured  on  each  side  of  the  cabin. 

I  have  just  been  summoned  from  my  task,  in  consequence 
of  one  of  the  battens  which  secured  my  little  library  having 
given  way  to  the  immoderate  weight  of  learning  that 
pressed  upon  it :  and  as  my  books  have  been  washed  to 
and  fro,  I  have  snatched  them  from  their  first  attempts  at 
natation.  Smith's  Wealth  of  Nations  I  picked  up  first,  not 
worth  a  jig;  Don  Juan  I  have  just  rescued  from  a  second 
shipwreck,  with  no  other  Hey-day  (Haidee)  to  console  him^ 
than  the  melancholy  one  extracted  from  me  with  a  deep 
sigh,  as  I  received  his  shattered  frame.  Here's  Burton's 
Anatomy  of  Melancholy,  in  a  very  melancholy  plight 
indeed,  and  (what  a  fashionable  watering-place  my  cabin 
has  turned  to !)  here's  Burke's  Peerage,  with  all  the  royal 
family  and  aristocracy  of  the  kingdom,  taking  a  dip,  and  a 
captain  of  a  man-of-war,  like  another  Sally  Gunn,  pulling 
them  out. 

So,  you  perceive,  my  description  has  been  been  all 
moonshine. 

"  My  wishes  have  been  fathers  to  my  thoughts.'* 

My  bones  are  sore  with  rocking.  Horace  says,  that  he 
had  a  soul  of  brass  who  first  ventured  to  sea  ;  I  think  a 
body  of  iron  very   necessary  to   the  outfit.     My  cot  is 

K.      I.  L 


1 62  The  King's  Own 

swinging  and  jerking  up  to  the  beams,  as  if  the  lively 
scoundrel  was  some  metamorphosed  imp  mocking  at  me. 
**  Sarve  you  right — what  did  you  list  for  ?  '* — Very  true— - 
Why  did  I  ? — Well,  anxious  as  I  am  to  close  this  chapter, 
and  to  close  my  eyes,  I  will  tell  you,  reader,  what  it  was 
that  induced  me  to  go  to  sea.  It  was  not  to  escape  the 
drudgery  and  confinement  of  a  school,  or  the  admonitions 
received  at  home.  The  battle  of  Trafalgar  had  been 
fought — I  recollect  the  news  being  brought  down  by  the 
dancing-master  when  I  was  at  school ;  but  although  I 
knew  that  eighteen  or  twenty  sail  of  the  line  had  been 
captured,  yet  never  having  seen  a  vessel  larger  than  a 
merchant  ship  at  London  Bridge,  I  had  very  imperfect 
ideas  on  the  subject — except  that  it  must  have  been  a  very 
glorious  affair,  as  we  had  a  whole  holiday  in  consequence. 
But  when  I  returned  home,  I  witnessed  the  funeral  pro- 
cession of  Lord  Nelson;  and,  as  the  triumphal  car  upon 
which  his  earthly  remains  were  borne  disappeared  from  my 
aching  eye,  I  felt  that  death  could  have  no  terrors,  if 
followed  by  such  a  funeral ;  and  I  determined  that  I  would 
be  buried  in  the  same  manner.  This  is  the  fac  ;  but  I  am 
not  now  exactly  of  the  same  opinion.  I  had  no  idea  at 
that  time,  that  it  was  such  a  terrible  roundabout  way  to  St 
Paul's.  Here  I  have  been  tossed  about  in  every  quarter  of 
the  globe,  for  between  twenty  and  five-and-twenty  years, 
and  the  dome  is  almost  as  distant  as  ever. 

I  mean  to  put  up  with  the  family  vault ;  but  I  should 
like  very  much  to  have  engraved  on  my  coffin — *  Many 
years  Commissioner,'  or  *  Lord  of  the  Admiralty,'  or 
*  Governor  of  Greenwich  Hospital,'  *  Ambassador,'  *  Privy 
Councillor,'  or,  in  fact,  anything  but  Captain :  for,  though 
acknowledged  to  be  a  good  travelling  name,  it  is  a  very 
insignificant  title  at  the  end  of  our  journey.  Moreover,  as  the 
author  of  Pelham  says,  "I  wish  somebody  would  adopt  me." 

Now  that  I  have  stated  my  wishes,  I  have  only  to  add, 
that  all  communications  on  the  subject,  directed,  post-paidy 
to  X.Y.Z.,at  Messrs  Colburn  and  Bentley's,New  Burlington 
Street,  will  meet  with  due  consideration. 


The  King's  Own  163 


Chapter  XXIII 

When  his  pockets  were  lined,  why  his  life  should  be  mended, 
The  laws  he  had  broken  he'd  never  break  more. 

Sea  Song, 

On  his  return  to  London,  M*Elvina  immediately  repaired 
to  the  residence  of  his  patron,  that  he  might  enter  into  the 
necessary  explanations  relative  to  the  capture  of  the  vessel, 
and  the  circumstances  which  had  produced  his  release  from 
the  penalties  and  imprisonment  to  which  he  had  been 
subjected  by  his  lawless  career.  Previous,  however,  to 
narrating  the  events  which  occurred  upon  his  arrival,  it 
will  be  advisable  to  offer  some  remarks  relative  to 
M'Elvina,  which,  when  they  have  been  suggested  to  the 
reader,  will  serve  to  remove  much  of  the  apparent  incon- 
sistency of  his  character.  That  a  person  who,  from  his 
earliest  childhood,  had  been  brought  up  to  fraud  and 
deceit,  should,  of  his  own  accord,  and  so  suddenly,  return 
to  honesty,  may  at  first  appear  problematical.  But  let  it 
be  remembered,  that  M'Elvina  was  not  in  the  situation  of 
those  who,  having  their  choice  of  good  and  evil,  had  pre- 
ferred the  latter.  From  infancy  he  had  been  brought  up 
to,  and  had  heard  every  encomium  upon  dishonesty,  without 
having  one  friend  to  point  out  to  him  the  advantages  of 
pursuing  another  course.  The  same  spirit  of  emulation 
which  would  have  made  him  strenuous  in  the  right  path, 
urged  him  forward  in  his  career  of  error.  If,  after  his 
discharge  from  the  Philanthropic  School,  he  had  had  time 
to  observe  the  advantages,  in  practice,  of  those  maxims 
which  had  only  been  incalculated  in  theory,  it  is  not  im- 
probable that  he  might  have  reformed;  this,  however,  was 
prevented,  by  the  injudicious  conduct  of  his  master. 

But  although  the  principles  which  had  been  instilled 
were  not  sufficiently  powerful,  unassisted  by  reflection,  to 
resist  the  force  of  habit,  the  germ,  smothered  as  it  was  for 
the  time,  was  not  destroyed ;  and  after  M'Elvina's  seven 


164  The  King*s  Own 

years'  servitude  in  a  profession  remarkable  for  candour 
and  sincerity,  and  in  which  he  had  neither  temptation  nor 
opportunity  to  return  to  his  evil  courses,  habit  had  been 
counteracted  by  habit.  The  tares  and  wheat  were  of 
equal  growth.  This  is  substantiated  by  the  single  fact  of 
his  inclination  to  be  honest  when  he  found  the  pocket-book. 
A  confirmed  rogue  would  never  have  thought  of  returning 
it,  even  if  it  had  not  been  worth  five  shillings.  It  is  true, 
if  it  had  contained  hundreds,  that,  in  his  distressed  circum- 
stances, the  temptation  might  have  been  too  strong  ;  but 
this  remark  by  no  means  disproves  the  assertion,  that  he 
had  the  inclination  to  be  honest.  "  There  is  a  tide  in  the 
affairs  of  men,"  and  it  was  on  this  decision  between 
retaining  or  returning  the  pocket-book  that  depended  the 
future  misery  or  welfare  of  M^Elvina.  Fortunately,  the 
sum  was  not  sufficient  to  turn  the  nicely-balanced  scale, 
and  the  generosity  of  old  Hornblow  confirmed  the  victory 
on  the  side  of  virtue. 

I  do  not  mean  to  assert  that,  for  some  time  subsequent 
to  this  transaction,  M*Elvina  was  influenced  by  a  religious, 
or  even  a  moral  feeling.  It  was  rather  by  interested 
motives  that  he  was  convinced ;  but  convinced  he  was  ;. 
and  whether  he  was  proud  of  his  return  to  comparative 
virtue,  or  found  it  necessary  to  refresh  his  memory,  his 
constant  injunctions  to  others  to  be  honest  (upon  the 
same  principle  that  a  man  who  tells  a  story  repeatedly 
eventually  believes  it  to  be  true)  assisted  to  keep  him 
stedfast  in  his  good  resolutions. 

Upon  the  other  points  of  his  character  it  will  be  un- 
necessary to  dilate.  For  his  gentlemanly  appearance  and 
address  he  was  indebted  to  nature,  who  does  not  always 
choose  to  acknowledge  the  claims  which  aristocracy  thinks 
proper  to  assert,  and  occasionally  mocks  the  idea,  by 
bestowing  graces  on  a  cottager  which  might  be  envied 
by  the  inhabitants  of  a  palace.  Of  M*Elvina  it  may  with 
justice  be  asserted,  that  his  faults  were  those  of  education 
— his  courage,  generosity,  and  many  good  qualities,  were 
his  own. 


The  King's  Own  165 

M'Elvina,  who  knew  exactly  at  what  hour  of  the  day 
his  patron  would  be  abroad,  took  the  precaution  of  not 
going  to  the  house  until  the  time  at  which  he  would 
be  certain  to  find  Susan,  as  usual,  in  the  little  parlour, 
alone,  and  occupied  with  her  needle  or  her  book.  The 
street-door  had  just  been  opened  by  the  maid  to  receive 
some  articles  of  domestic  use,  which  a  tradesman  had 
sent  home  ;  and  M'Elvina,  putting  his  finger  to  his  lips 
to  ensure  the  silence  of  the  girl,  who  would  have  run 
to  communicate  the  welcome  intelligence  of  his  arrival, 
stepped  past  her  into  the  passage,  and  found  the  door 
of  the  little  parlour.  Gently  admitting  himself,  he  dis- 
covered Susan,  whom  he  had  not  disturbed,  sitting  opposite 
to  the  window,  with  her  back  towards  him.  He  crept 
in  softly  behind  her  chair.  She  was  in  deep  thought ; 
one  hand  rested  on  her  cheek,  and  the  other  held  the 
pen  with  which  she  had  been  arranging  the  accounts  of 
the  former  week,  to  submit  them,  as  usual,  to  her  father 
on  the  Monday  evening.  Of  whom  and  what  she  was 
thinking  was,  however,  soon  manifested  to  M'Elvina  j  for 
she  commenced  scribbling  and  drawing  with  her  pen  on 
the  blotting-paper  before  her,  until  she  at  last  wrote 
several  times,  as  if  she  were  practising  to  see  how  it 
would  look  as  a  signature  : 

"  Susan  M^Elvina." 
''  Susan  M'Elvina." 
''  Susan  M'Elvina." 

Although  delighted  at  this  proof  that  he  was  occupy- 
ing her  thoughts,  M'Elvina  had  the  delicacy  to  retire 
unperceived,  and  Susan,  as  if  recollecting  herself,  slightly 
coloured,  as  she  twisted  up  the  paper  and  threw  it  under 
the  grate  ;  in  doing  which,  she  perceived  M'Elvina,  who 
still  remained  at  the  door.  A  cry  of  surprise,  a  deep 
blush  of  pleasure  over  her  pale  face,  and  a  hand  frankly 
extended,  which  M*Elvina  could  with  difficulty  resist 
the  impulse  to  raise  to  his  lips,  were  followed  up  by 
the   hasty  interrogation   of — "  Why,    your   arm   is   in   a 


1 66  The  King's  Own 

sling  ?  You  did  not  say  that  you  were  hurt  when  you 
wrote  from  Plymouth  ? " 

"It  was  not  worth  mentioning,  Susan  —  it's  almost 
well ;  but,  tell  me,  how  did  your  father  bear  the  loss 
of  the  vessel  ?  " 

"  Oh  !  pretty  well !  But,  Captain  M'Elvina,  you  could 
not  have  done  me  a  greater  favour,  or  my  father  a  greater 
kindness.  He  has  now  wound  up  his  affairs,  and  intends 
to  retire  from  all  speculation.  He  has  purchased  a  house 
in  the  country,  and  I  hope,  when  we  go  there,  that  I 
shall  be  more  happy,  and  have  better  health,  than  I  have 
had  of  late." 

**  And  what  is  to  become  of  me  ?  "  observed  M'Elvina, 
gravely. 

**  Oh,  I  don't  know — you  are  the  best  judge  of  that." 

*'  Well,  then,  I  will  confess  to  you,  Susan,  that  I  am 
just  as  well  pleased  that  all  this  has  taken  place  as  you 
are  ;  for  I  am  not  sorry  to  give  up  a  profession  respecting 
which,  between  ourselves,  I  have  lately  had  many  scruples 
of  conscience.  I  have  not  saved  much,  it  is  true ;  but  I 
have  enough  to  live  upon,  as  long  as  I  have  no  one  to 
take  care  of  except  myself." 

"  You  raise  yourself  in  my  opinion  by  saying  so," 
replied  Susan  ;  "  although  it  is  painful  to  me  to  condemn 
a  practice  which  impeaches  my  father.  Your  courage 
and  talents  may  be  better  applied.  Thank  God,  that  it 
is  all  over." 

"  But,  Susan,  5^ou  said  that  you  hoped  to  have  better 
health.     Have  you  not  been  well  ?  " 

"  Not  very  ill,"  replied  Susan ;  "  but  I  have  had  a 
good  deal  of  anxiety.  The  loss  of  the  vessel, — your 
capture, — has  affected  my  father,  and,  of  course,  has 
worried  me." 

The  discourse  was  now  interruped  by  old  Hornblow, 
who  had  returned  home  to  his  dinner.  He  received 
M'Elvina  in  the  most  friendly  manner,  and  they  sat  down 
to  table. 

After  dinner,  M'Elvina  entered  into  a  minute  detail  of 


The  King's  Own  167 

all  that  had  occurred, — and,  as  far  as  he  was  concerned, 
with  a  modesty  which  enhanced  his  meritorious  conduct. 

Susan  listened  to  the  narrative  with  intense  interest :  and 
as  soon  as  it  was  over,  retired  to  her  room,  leaving  old 
Hornblow  and  M^Elvina  over  their  bottle. 

"  Well,  M*Elvina,  what  do  you  mean  to  do  with  your- 
self ?"  said  the  old  man.  "You  know  that  Susan  has  at 
last  persuaded  me  into  retiring  from  business.  I  have  just 
concluded  the  purchase  of  a  little  property  near  the  seaside, 

about  seven  miles  from  the  village  of ,  in  Norfolk — it 

adjoins  the  great  Rainscourt  estate.  You  know  that  part  of 
the  coast." 

"  Very  well,  sir  ;  there  is  a  famous  landing-place  there, 
on  the  Rainscourt  estate.  It  was  formerly  the  property  of 
Admiral  De  Courcy."  , 

"  Ah !  we  don't  mean  to  smuggle  any  more — so  that's 
no  use.  I  should  not  have  known  that  it  was  near  the 
Rainscourt  property,  only  they  inserted  it  in  the  particulars 
of  sale,  as  an  advantage  ;  though  I  confess  I  do  not  see  any 
particular  advantage  in  a  poor  man  living  too  near  a  rich 
one.  But  answer  my  question — What  are  you  going  to  do 
with  yourself?     If  I  can  assist  you,  M'Elvina,  I  will." 

**  I  do  not  intend  to  go  to  sea  any  more." 

**  No  !  what  then  ?  I  suppose  you  would  like  to  marry, 
and  settle  on  shore  ?  Well,  if  I  can  assist  you,  M'Elvina, 
I  will." 

"  You  could,  indeed,  assist  me  there,  sir." 

"  Oh !  Susan,  I  suppose.  Nay,  don't  colour  up ;  I've 
seen  it  long  enough,  and  if  I  had  not  meant  that  it  should 
be  so,  I  should  have  put  an  end  to  it  before.  You  are  an 
honest  man,  M'Elvina,  and  I  know  nobody  to  whom  I 
would  give  my  girl  sooner  than  to  you." 

"  You  have,  indeed,  removed  a  weight  from  my  mind, 
sir,  and  I  hardly  know  how  to  express  my  thanks  to  you 
for  your  good  wishes;  but  I  have  yet  to  obtain  your 
daughter's  consent." 

**  I  know  you  have  ;  you  cannot  expect  that  she  will 
anticipate  your  wishes  as  I  have  done.     But  as  I  wish  this 


1 68  The  King's  Own 

business  to  be  decided  at  once,  I  shall  send  her  down  to  you, 
and  I'll  take  a  walk  in  the  meantime.  All  I  can  say  is, 
that  if  she  says  she  has  no  mind  to  you,  don't  you  believe 
her,  for  I  know  better." 

"  Susan  !  "  said  old  Hornblow,  going  to  the  door. 

*'  Yes,  father." 

"  Come  down,  my  dear,  and  stay  with  Captain  M*Elvina. 
I  am  obliged  to  go  out." 

Old  Hornblow  reached  down  his  hat,  put  on  his 
spencer,  and  departed  ;  while  Susan,  whose  heart  told  her 
that  so  unusual  a  movement  on  her  father's  part  was  not 
without  some  good  reason,  descended  to  the  parlour  with 
a  quickened  pulse. 

"  Susan  ! "  said  M'Elvina,  who  had  risen  from  his  chair 
to  receive  her,  as  soon  as  he  heard  her  footsteps,  *'  I  have 
much  to  say  to  you,  and  I  must  be  as  brief  as  I  can,  for  my 
mind  is  in  too  agitated  a  state  to  bear  with  much  temporis- 
ing. Do  me  the  favour  to  take  a  chair,  and  listen  while  I 
make  you  acquainted  with  what  you  do  not  know." 

Susan  trembled  ;  and  the  colour  flew  from  her  cheeks, 
as  she  sat  down  on  the  chair  which  M'Elvina  handed  to 
her. 

"  Your  father,  Susan,  took  me  by  the  hand,  at  the  time 
that  I  was  in  great  distress,  in  consequence  of  my  having 
pleased  him  by  an  act  of  common  honesty.  You  know 
how  kind  and  considerate  a  patron  he  has  been  to  me  since, 
and  I  have  now  been  in  his  employ  some  years.  This 
evening  he  has  overpowered  me  with  a  weight  of  gratitude, 
by  allowing  me  to  aspire  to  that  which  I  most  covet  on 
earth,  and  has  consented  to  my  robbing  him,  if  I  can,  of 
his  greatest  treasure.  You  cannot  mistake  what  I  mean. 
But,  previous  to  my  requesting  an  answer  on  a  point  in 
which  my  future  happiness  is  involved,  I  have  an  act  of 
justice  to  perform  towards  you,  and  of  conscience  towards 
myself,  which  must  be  fulfilled.  It  is  to  be  candid,  and 
not  allow  you  to  be  entrapped  into  an  alliance  with  a  person 
of  whose  life  you,  at  present,  know  but  the  fair  side. 

"  First,  let  me  state  to  you,  Susan,  that  my  parentage  is 


The  King's  Own  169 

as  obscure  as  it  well  can  be ;  and,  secondly,  that  the  early 
part  of  my  life  was  as  vicious.  I  may,  indeed,  extenuate  it 
when  I  enter  into  an  explanation,  and  with  great  justice : 
but  I  have  now  only  stated  the  facts  generally.  If  you 
wish  me  to  enter  into  particulars,  much  as  I  shall  blush  at 
the  exposure,  and  painful  as  the  task  assigned  will  be,  I 
shall  not  refuse,  even  at  the  risk  of  losing  all  I  covet  by  the 
confession  :  for,  much  as  my  happiness  is  at  stake,  I  have 
too  sincere  a  regard  for  you  to  allow  you  to  contract  any 
engagement  with  me,  without  making  this  candid  avowal. 
Now,  Susan,  answer  me  frankly — whether,  in  the  first 
place,  you  wish  me  to  discover  the  particulars  of  my  early 
life ;  in  the  next  place  (if  you  decline  hearing  them), 
whether,  after  this  general  avowal,  you  will  listen  to  any 
solicitations,  on  my  part,  to  induce  you  to  unite  your  future 
destiny  with  mine  ? " 

"  Captain  M^Elvina,  I  thank  you  for  your  candour," 
replied  Susan,  "  and  will  imitate  you  in  my  answer. 
Your  obscure  parentage  cannot  be  a  matter  of  consideration 
to  one  who  has  no  descent  to  boast  of.  That  you  have  not 
always  been  leading  a  creditable  life,  I  am  sorry  for ;  more 
sorry  because  I  am  sure  it  must  be  a  source  of  repentance 
and  mortification  to  you  ;  but  I  have  not  an  idle  curiosity 
to  wish  you  to  impart  that  which  would  not  tend  to  my 
happiness  to  divulge.  I  did  once  hear  an  old  gentlewoman, 
who  had  been  conversant  with  the  world,  declare,  that  if 
every  man  was  obliged  to  confess  the  secrets  of  his  life 
before  marriage,  few  young  women  would  be  persuaded 
to  go  up  to  the  altar.  I  hope  it  is  not  true ;  but  whether 
it  is  or  not,  it  does  not  exactly  bear  upon  the  subject  in 
agitation.  I  again  thank  you  for  your  candour,  and  disclaim 
all  wish  to  know  any  further.  I  believe  I  have  now 
answered  your  question." 

"Not  yet,  Susan, — you  have  not  yet  answered  the 
latter  part  of  it." 

"  What  was  it  ? — I  don't  recollect." 

"  It  was,"  said  M'Elvina,  picking  up  the  piece  of  twisted 
paper  which  Susan  had  thrown  under  the  grate, — "whether 


lyo  The  King*s  Own 

you  would  listen  to  my  entreaties  to  sign  your  name  in 
future  as  on  this  paper  ?  " 

"  Oh,  M'Elvina,"  cried  Susan, — "  how  unfair — how 
ungenerous.     Now  I  detest  you  !  " 

"  I'll  not  believe  that.  I  have  your  own  hand- writing 
to  the  contrary,  and  I'll  appeal  to  your  father." 

"  Nay,  rather  than  that — you  have  set  me  an  example 
of  candour,  and  shall  profit  by  it.  Promise  me,  M'Elvina, 
always  to  treat  me  as  you  have  this  day, — and  here  is 
my  hand." 

"Who  would  not  be  honest,  to  be  so  rewarded?" 
replied  M'Elvina,  as  he  embraced  the  blushing  girl. 

"  Ah, — all's  right,  I  perceive,"  cried  old  Hornblow, 
who  had  opened  the  door  unperceived.  "  Come,  my 
children,  take  my  blessing — long  may  you  live  happy 
and  united." 


Chapter  XXIV 

He  was  a  shrewd  philosopher, 
And  had  read  ev'ry  text  and  gloss  over. 
Whatever  sceptic  could  inquire  for, 
For  every  luhy  he  had  a  ivherefore : 
He  could  reduce  all  things  to  acts. 
And  knew  their  nature  by  abstracts. 

Hudihras, 

Captain  M was  not  unmindful  of  the  promise  which 

he  had  made  to  M*Elvina  relative  to  our  hero ;  and  when 
he  returned  to  the  ship,  he  sent  for  Macallan  the  surgeon, 
and  requested  as  a  personal  favour  that  he  would  super- 
intend Willy's  education,  and  direct  his  studies. 

Macallan  was  too  partial  to  Captain  M to  refuse, 

and  fortunately  had  imbibed  a  strong  regard  for  Willy, 
whose  romantic  history,  early  courage,  and  amiability  of 
disposition,  had  made  him  a  general  favourite.  Macallan, 
therefore,  willingly  undertook  the  tuition  of  a  boy  who 
combined  energy  of  mind  with  docility  of  disposition  and 


The  King's  Own  171 

sweetness  of  temper.  There  could  not  have  been  selected 
a  person  better  qualified  than  the  surgeon  for  imparting 
that  general  knowledge  so  valuable  in  after-life;  and, 
under  his  guidance,  Willy  soon  proved  that  strong  in- 
tellectual powers  were  among  the  other  advantages  which 
he  had  received  from  nature. 

The  Aspasia  flew  before  the  trade  winds,  and  in  a  few 

weeks  arrived  at  Barbadoes  ;  where  Captain  M found 

orders  left  by  the  admiral  of  the  station,  directing  him 
to  survey  a  dangerous  reef  of  rocks  to  the  northward  of 
Porto  Rico,  and  to  continue  to  cruise  for  some  weeks  in 
that  quarter,  after  the  service  had  been  performed.  In 
three  days  the  frigate  was  revictualled  and  watered ;  and 
the  officers  had  barely  time  to  have  their  sea  arrangements 
completed,  before  the  frigate  again  expanded  her  canvas 
to  a  favourable  breeze.  In  a  few  hours  the  island  was 
left  as  far  astern  as  to  appear  like  the  blue  mist  which 
so  often  deceives  the  expectant  scanner  of  the  horizon. 

**  You  Billy  Pitt !  is  all  my  linen  come  on  board  ? " 

"  Yes,  sar,"  replied  Billy,  who  was  in  Courtenay's 
cabin  ;  "I  make  bill  out;  just  now  cast  up  multerpication 
of  whole." 

"  I'm  afraid  you  very  often  use  multiplication  in  your 
addition,  Mr  Billy." 

"True  bill,  sar,"  replied  Billy,  coming  out  of  the  cabin, 
and  handing  a  paper  to  Courtenay. 

"What's  this  ? — nineteen  tarts  !  Why,  you  black  thief, 
I  never  had  any  tarts." 

"Please  let  me  see,  sar,"  said  Billy,  peering  over  his 
shoulder.  "  Yes,  sar,  all  right — I  count  'em.  Tell 
washerwoman  put  plenty  of  tarch  in  collar." 

"  Shirts,  you  nigger ! — why  don't  you  learn  to  spell 
with  that  dictionary  of  yours  ?  " 

"Know  how  to  spell  very  well,  sar,"  replied  Billy, 
haughtily  ;  "  that  my  way  spell  '  tarts^  " 

"  *  Fourteen  tockin,  seventeen  touL' — You  do  know 
how  to  spell  to  a  T." 

"Massa  Courtenay,  doctor  not  write  same  way  you  write." 


172  The  King's  Own 

"  Well,  Mr  Billy." 

"  You  not  write  same  way  me — ebery  gentleman  write 
different  hand.  Now,  if  ebery  gentleman  write  his  own 
way,  why  not  ebery  gentleman  spell  his  own  way  ?  Dat 
my  way  to  spell,  sar,"  continued  Billy,  very  much  affronted. 

"  I  can't  argue  with  you  now,  Mr  Billy — there's  one 
bell  after  four  striking,  and  I  have  hardly  had  a  glass  of 
wine,  from  your  bothering  me.  Upon  my  soul  it's 
excessively  annoying." 

"  One  bell,  Mr  Courtenay  !  "  cried  Jerry,  at  the  gun- 
room door  ;  "  Mr  Price  will  thank  you  to  relieve  him." 

*'  I  say,  Mr  Prose,"  continued  Jerry,  as  he  passed 
through  the  steerage  to  return  on  deck,  "  I'll  just  trouble 
you  to  hand  your  carcass  up  as  soon  as  convenient." 

"  Directly,  Jerry, — I — will — but  my  tea — is  so  hot." 

"Well,  then  leave  it,  and  I'll  drink  it  for  you,"  replied 
Jerry,  ascending  the  ladder. 

"Well,    Mr    J ,    did   you    tell    Mr    Courtenay?" 

inquired  Price. 

"  Yes,  sir,"  replied  Jerry. 

"  What  did  he  say  ? " 

"  He  said,  *  pass  the  bottle,'  sir,"  replied  Jerry,  touching 
his  hat  and  not  changing  a  muscle  of  his  countenance, 
although  delighted  with  the  vexation  that  appeared  in  that 
of  the  tired  lieutenant  as  he  walked  away  forward. 

For  two  or  three  days  the  frigate  sailed  between  the 
islands,  which  reared  their  lofty  crests  abruptly  from  the 
ocean,  like  the  embattlements  of  some  vast  castle  which 
had  been  submerged  to  the  water's  edge.  Her  progress 
was  slow,  as  she  was  only  indebted  to  the  land  or  sea 
breezes  as  they  alternately  blew,  and  was  becalmed  at  the 
close  of  the  day,  during  the  pause  between  their  relieving 
each  other  from  their  never-ceasing  duty.  Such  was  the 
situation  of  the  Aspasia  on  the  evening  of  the  third  day. 
The  scene  was  one  of  those  splendid  panoramas  which  are 
only  to  be  gazed  upon  in  tropical  climes.  The  sun  was 
near  setting  ;  and  as  he  passed  through  the  horizontal 
streaks  of  vapour,  fringed  their  narrow  edges  with  a  blaze 


The  King's  Own  173 

of  glory,  strongly  in  contrast  with  the  deep  blue  of  the 
zenith,  reflected  by  the  still  wave  in  every  quarter,  except 
where  the  descending  orb  poured  down  his  volume  of  rays, 
which  changed  the  sea  into  an  element  of  molten  gold. 
The  frigate  was  lying  motionless  in  the  narrow  channel 
between  two  of  the  islands,  the  high  mountains  of  which, 
in  deep  and  solemn  shade,  were  reflected  in  lengthened 
shadows,  extending  to  the  vessel's  sides,  and,  looking 
downwards,  you  beheld  the  "  mountains  bowed."  Many 
of  the  officers  were  standing  abaft  admiring  the  beauty  of 
the  scene ;  but  not  giving  vent  to  their  feelings,  from  an 
inward  consciousness  of  inability  to  do  justice  to  it  in  their 
expressions. 

Macallan  first  broke  the  silence.  **  Who  would  imagine, 
Courtenay,  that,  ere  yonder  sun  shall  rise  again,  a  hurricane 
may  exhaust  its  rage  upon  a  spot  so  calm,  so  beautiful,  as 
this,  where  all  now  seems  to  whisper  peace  ?  " 

The  remark  was  followed  by  a  noise  like  that  proceeding 
from  a  distant  gun.  "Is  it  pace  you  mane,  doctor  ?  "  said 
one  of  the  midshipmen,  from  the  sister  kingdom.  "  By 
the  powers,  there's  *  war  to  the  knife,'  already.  Look," 
continued  he,  pointing  with  his  finger,  in  a  direction 
uiider  the  land,  "there's  a  battle  between  the  whale  and 
the  thrasher." 

The  remark  of  the  midshipman  was  correct,  and  the 
whole  party  congregated  on  the  tafFrail  to  witness  the 
struggle  which  had  already  commenced.  The  blows  of 
the  thrasher,  a  large  fish,  of  the  same  species  as  the  whale, 
given  with  incredible  force  and  noise  on  the  back  of  the 
whale,  were  now  answered  by  his  more  unwieldy 
antagonist,  who  lashed  the  sea  with  fury  in  his  attempts 
to  retaliate  upon  his  more  active  assailant  j  and  while 
the  contention  lasted,  the  water  was  in  a  foam. 

In  a  few  minutes,  the  whale  plunged,  and  disappeared. 

**  He  has  had  enough  of  it,"  observed  the  master  ;  "  but 
the  thrasher  will  not  let  him  off  so  easily.  He  must  come 
up  to  breathe  directly,  and  you'll  find  the  thrasher  yard- 
arm  and  yard-arm  with  him  again." 


1^4  The  King's  Own 

As  the  master  observed,  the  whale  soon  re-appeared, 
and  the  thrasher,  who  had  closely  pursued  him,  as  if 
determined  to  make  up  for  lost  time,  threw  himself  out  of 
the  water,  and  came  down  upon  the  whale,  striking  him 
with  tremendous  force  upon  the  shoulder.  The  whale 
plunged  so  perpendicularly,  that  his  broad  tail  was  many 
feet  upraised  in  the  air,  and  the  persecuted  animal  was 
seen  no  more. 

**  That  last  broadside  settled  him,"  said  Courtenay. 

"  Sunk  him  too,  I  think,"  cried  Jerry. 

"  Strange,"  observed  Courtenay,  addressing  Macallan, 
"  that  there  should  be  such  an  antipathy  between  the 
animals.  The  West  Indians  assert,  that  at  the  same  time 
the  thrasher  attacks  him  above,  the  sword-fish  pierces  him 
underneath — if  so,  it  must  be  very  annoying." 

"  I  have  heard  the  same  story,  but  have  never  myself 
seen  the  sword-fish,"  replied  Macallan ;  "it  is,  however, 
very  possible,  as  there  is  no  animal  in  the  creation  that  has 
so  many  enemies  as  the  whale." 

"  A  tax  on  greatness,"  observed  Jerry  ;  "  I'm  glad  it 
goes  by  bulk.  Mr  Macallan,"  continued  he,  "  you're  a 
philosopher  and  I  have  heard  you  argue  that  whatever  is, 
is  right — will  you  explain  to  my  consummate  ignorance, 
upon  what  just  grounds  the  thrasher  attacks  that  un- 
offending mass  of  blubber  ? " 

*'  I'll  explain  it  to  you,"  said  Courtenay,  laughing.  "  The 
whale,  who  has  just  come  from  the  northward,  finds  him- 
self in  very  comfortable  quarters  here,  and  has  no  wish  to 
heave  up  his  anchor,  and  proceed  on  his  voyage  round  Cape 
Horn.  The  thrasher  is  the  port-admiral  of  the  station,  and 
his  blows  are  so  many  guns  to  enforce  his  orders  to  sail 
forthwith." 

"  Thank  you,  sir,"  answered  Jerry,  sarcastically,  "  for 
your  very  ingenious  explanation,  but  I  do  not  see  why  his 
guns  should  be  shotted.  Perhaps  Mr  Macallan  will  now 
oblige  me  by  his  ideas  on  the  subject." 

"  How  far  these  islands  may  be  the  Capua  to  the  whale, 
which  Mr  Courtenay  presumes,  I  cannot  say,"  answered 


The  King's  Own  175 

the  surgeon,  pompously  ;  "  but  I  have  observed  that  all  the 
cetaceous  tribe  are  very  much  annoyed  by  vermin,  which 
adhere  to  their  skins.  You  often  see  the  porpoises,  and 
smaller  fish  of  this  class,  throw  themselves  into  the  air,  and 
fall  flat  on  the  water,  to  detach  the  barnacles  and  other 
parasitical  insects,  which  distress  them.  May  it  not  be,  that 
the  whale,  being  so  enormous  an  animal,  and  not  able  to 
employ  the  same  means  of  relief,  receives  it  from  the  blows 
of  the  thrasher." 

"  Bravo,  doctor  !  Why,  then,  the  thrasher  may  be  con- 
sidered as  a  medical  attendant  to  the  whale  ;  and,  from  the 
specimen  we  have  witnessed  of  his  humanity,  a  naval 
practitioner,  I  have  no  doubt,"  added  Jerry. 

"  Very  well,  Mr  Jerry  ;  if  ever  you  come  under  my 
hands,  you  shall  smart  for  that." 

**  Very  little  chance,  doctor ;  Fm  such  a  miserable 
object,  that  even  disease  passes  by  me  with  contempt. 
If  I  ever  am  in  your  list,  I  presume  it  will  be  for 
a  case  of  plethora,"  replied  Jerry,  spanning  his  thin 
waist. 

"  Young  gentlemen,  get  down  directly.  What  are  you 
all  doing  there  on  the  tafFrail  ?  "  bawled  out  the  first  lieu- 
tenant, who  had  just  come  up  the  ladder. 

"We've  been  looking  at  a  sea-bully,"  said  Jerry,  in 
a  tone  of  voice  sufficiently  loud  to  excite  the  merriment 
of  those  about  him,  without  being  heard  by  the  first 
lieutenant. 

**  What's  the  joke  ? "  observed  Mr  Bully,  coming  aft,  as 
the  midshipmen  were  dispersing. 

**  Some  of  Mr  J 's  nonsense,"  replied  the  surgeon. 

This  answer  not  being  satisfactory,  the  first  lieutenant 
took  it  for  granted,  as  people  usually  do,  that  the  laugh 
was  against  himself,  and  his  choler  was  raised  against  the 
offending  party. 

"  Mr  J !     Ay,  that  young  man  thinks  of  anything 

but  his  duty.  There  he  is,  playing  with  the  captain's  dog  ; 
and  his  watch,  I'll  answer  for  it,  or  he  would  not  be  on  deck. 
Mr  J ,"  continued  the  first  lieutenant  to  Jerry,  who 


176  The  King's  Own 

was  walking  up  and  down  to  leeward,  followed  by  a  large 
Newfoundland  dog,  '*  is  it  your  watch  ? " 

"  Yes,  sir,"  replied  Jerry,  touching  his  hat. 

"  Then  why  are  you  skylarking  with  that  dog  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  skylarking  with  the  dog,  sir.  He  follows  me 
up  and  down.     I  believe  he  takes  me  for  a  ^«^." 

"  I  am  not  surprised  at  it,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant, 
laughing. 

The  surgeon,  who  remained  abaft,  was  now  accosted  by 
Willy,  who  had  been  amusing  himself,  leaning  over  the 
side  of  a  boat,  which  had  been  lowered  down  by  the  first 
lieutenant  to  examine  the  staying  of  the  masts,  and  catching 
in  a  tin-pot  the  various  minute  objects  of  natural  history 
which  passed  by,  as  the  frigate  glided  slowly  along. 

**  What  shell  is  this,  Mr  Macallan,  which  I  have  nicked 
up  ^  It  floated  on  the  surface  of  the  water  by  means  of 
these  air-bladders,  which  are  attached  to  it." 

**  That  shell,  Willy,"  replied  Macallan,  who,  mounting 
his  favourite  hobby,  immediately  spouted  his  pompous 
truths,  "  is  called  by  naturalists  the  lanthina  fragilis, 
perhaps  the  weakest  and  most  delicate  in  its  texture  which 
exists,  and  yet  the  only  one  *  which  ventures  to  contend  with 
the  stormy  ocean.  The  varieties  of  the  nautili  have  the 
same  property  of  floating  on  the  surface  of  the  water,  but 
they  seldom  are  found  many  miles  from  land.  They  are 
only  coasters  in  comparison  with  this  adventurous  little 
navigator,  which  alone  braves  the  Atlantic,  and  floats  about 
in  the  same  fathomless  deep  which  is  ranged  by  the 
devouring  shark,  and  lashed  by  the  stupendous  whale.  I 
have  picked  up  these  little  sailors  nearly  one  thousand  miles 
from  the  land.  Yet  observe,  it  is  his  security — his  tene- 
ment, of  such  thin  texture  to  enable  him  to  float  with 
greater  ease,  would  not  be  able  to  encounter  the  rippling 
of  the  wave  upon  the  smoothest  beach." 

"  What  use  are  they  of? " 

"Of  no  direct  use  that  I  know  of,  William  ;  but  if  it 

*  I  am  aware  that  there  are  two  or  three  other  pelagic  shells,  but,  at  the 
time  of  this  narrative,  they  were  not  known. 


The  King's  Own  177 

has  no  other  use  than  to  induce  you  to  reflect  a  Httle,  it  has 
not  been  made  in  vain.  All  created  things  are  not 
applicable  to  the  wants  or  the  enjoyment  of  man ;  but 
their  examination  will  always  tend  to  his  improvement. 
When  you  analyse  this  little  creature  in  its  domicile,  and  see 
how  wonderfully  it  is  provided  with  all  means  necessary  for 
its  existence, — when  you  compare  it  with  the  thousand 
varieties  upon  the  beach,  in  all  of  which  you  will  perceive 
the  same  Master-hand  visible,  the  same  attention  in  provid- 
ing for  their  wants,  the  same  minute  and  endless  beauty  of 
colour  and  of  form, — you  cannot  but  acknowledge  the 
vastness  and  the  magnificence  of  the  Maker.  In  the  same 
manner,  the  flowers  and  shrubs,  which  embellish,  as  they 
cover  the  earth,  are  not  all  so  much  for  use,  as  they  are 
for  ornament.  What  human  ingenuity  can  approach  to 
the  perfection  of  the  meanest  effort  of  the  Almighty  hand  ? 
Has  it  not  been  pointed  out  in  the  Scriptures  *  Consider  the 
lilies  of  the  field,  how  they  grow  ;  they  toil  not,  neither  do 
they  spin :  And  yet  I  say  unto  you.  That  even  Solomon, 
in  all  his  glory,  was  not  arrayed  like  one  of  these.'  Never 
debate  in  your  mind,  Willy,  of  what  use  are  these  things 
which  God  has  made — for  of  what  use^  then,  is  man,  the 
most  endowed  and  the  most  perverse  of  all  creation,  except 
to  show  the  goodness  and  the  forbearance  of  the  Almighty  ! 
You  may,  hereafter,  be  inclined  to  debate  why  noxious 
reptiles  and  ferocious  beasts,  that  not  only  are  useless  to 
man,  but  a  source  of  dread  and  of  danger,  have  been 
created.  They  have  their  inheritance  upon  earth,  as  well 
as  man,  and  combine  with  the  rest  of  animated  nature  to 
show  the  power,  and  the  wisdom,  and  the  endless  variety 
of  the  Creator.  It  is  true  that  all  animals  were  made  for 
our  use ;  but  recollect,  that  when  man  fell  from  his  perfect 
state,  it  was  declared,  ^  In  the  sweat  of  thy  brow  thou 
shalt  eat  bread.'  Are  trackless  forests,  and  yet  unexplored 
regions  to  remain  without  living  creatures  to  enjoy  them, 
until  they  shall  be  required  by  man  ?  And  is  man,  in  his 
fallen  state,  to  possess  all  the  earth  and  its  advantages, 
without   labour, — without   fulfilling   his    destiny  ?      No. 

K.       I.  M 


178  The  King's  Own 

Ferocious  and  noxious  animals  disappear  only  before 
cultivation.  It  is  part  of  the  labour  to  which  he  has  been 
sentenced,  that  he  should  rend  them  out  as  the  *  thistle  and 
the  thorn  ; '  or  drive  them  to  those  regions,  which  are  not 
yet  required  by  him,  and  of  which  they  may  continue  to 
have  possession  undisturbed." 

Such  was  the  language  of  Macallan  to  our  hero,  whose 
thirst  for  knowledge  constantly  made  fresh  demands  upon 
the  surgeon's  fund  of  information;  and,  pedantic  as  his 
language  may  appear,  it  contained  important  truths,  which 
were  treasured  up  by  the  retentive  memory  of  his  pupil. 


Chapter  XXV 

How  frail,  how  cowardly  is  woman's  mind  I 
Yet  when  strong  jealousy  inflames  the  soul, 
The  weak  will  roar,  and  calms  to  tempests  roll. 

Lee's  Rival  Queen. 

But  we  must  now  follow  up  the  motions  of  Mr  Rains- 
court,  who  quitted  the  castle,  and  travelling  with  great 
diligence,  once  more  trod  the  pavement  of  the  metropolis, 
which  he  had  quitted  in  equal  haste,  but  under  very 
different  circumstances.  The  news  of  his  good  fortune 
had  preceded  him,  and  he  received  all  that  homage  which 
is  invariably  shown  to  a  man  who  has  many  creditors,  and 
the  means  of  satisfying  all  their  demands.  As  he  had 
prophesied,  the  little  gentleman  in  black  was  as  obsequious 
as  could  be  desired,  and  threw  out  many  indirect  hints  of 
the  pleasure  he  should  have  in  superintending  Mr  Rains- 
court's  future  arrangements  ;  and,  by  way  of  reinstating 
himself  in  his  good  graces,  acquainted  him  with  a  plan  for 
reducing  the  amount  of  the  demands  that  were  made  upon 
him.  Rainscourt,  who  never  forgave,  so  far  acceded  to 
the  lawyer's  wishes,  as  to  permit  him  to  take  that  part  of 

the  arrangements  into  his  hands  ;  and,  after  Mr  T had 

succeeded  in  bringing  the  usurers  to  reasonable  terms — 


The  King's  Own  179 

when  all  had  been  duly  signed  and  sealed,  not  only  were 
his  services  declined  for  the  future,  but  the  servants  were 
desired  to  show  him  the  street  door. 

As  his  wife  had  remarked,  Rainscourt  found  no  difficulty 
in  makings  friends  of  all  sorts,  and  of  both  sexes — and  he 
had  launched  into  a  routine  of  gaiety  and  dissipation,  in 
which  he  continued  for  several  months,  without  allowing 
his  wife  and  daughter  to  interrupt  his  amusements,  or  to 
enter  his  thoughts. 

He  had  enclosed  an  order  upon  the  banker  at ,  soon 

after  his  arrival  in  London,  and  he  considered  that  he  had 
done  all  that  was  requisite.  Such  was  not,  however,  the 
opinion  of  his  wife — to  be  immured  in  a  lonely  castle  in 
Ireland,  was  neither  her  intention  nor  her  taste.  Finding 
that  repeated  letters  were  unanswered,  in  which  she 
requested  permission  to  join  him,  and  pointed  out  the 
necessity  that  Emily,  who  was  now  nearly  twelve  years 
old,  should  have  the  advantages  of  tuition  which  his 
fortune  could  command,  she  packed  up  a  slender  wardrobe, 
and  in  a  week  arrived  in  London  with  Emily,  and  drove  up 
to  the  door  of  the  hotel,  to  which  Rainscourt  had  directed 
that  his  letters  should  be  addressed. 

Rainscourt  was  not  at  home  when  she  arrived  ;  announc- 
ing herself  as  his  wife,  she  was  shown  upstairs  into  his 
apartments,  a  minute  survey  of  which,  with  their  contents, 
was  immediately  made ;  and  the  notes  and  letters,  which 
were  carelessly  strewed  upon  the  tables,  and  all  of  which 
she  took  the  liberty  to  peruse,  had  the  effect  of  throwing 
Mrs  Rainscourt  into  a  transport  of  jealousy  and  indignation. 
The  minutes  appeared  hours,  and  the  hours  months,  until 
he  made  his  appearance,  which  he  at  last  did,  accompanied 
by  two  fashionable  roues  with  whom  he  associated. 

The  waiters,  who  happened  not  to  be  in  the  way  as  he 
ascended  the  stairs,  had  not  announced  to  him  the  arrival 
of  his  wife,  who  was  sitting  on  the  sofa  in  her  bonnet 
and  shawl,  one  hand  full  of  notes  and  letters,  the  super- 
scriptions of  which  were  evidently  in  a  female  hand — and 
the  other  holding  her  handkerchief,  as  if  prepared  for  a 


i8o  The  King's  Own 

scene.  One  leg  was  crossed  over  the  other,  and  the  foot 
of  the  one  that  was  above  worked  in  the  air,  up  and  down, 
with  the  force  of  a  piston  of  a  steam-engine,  indicative  of 
the  propelling  power  within, — when  Rainscourt,  whose 
voice  was  heard  all  the  way  upstairs,  arrived  at  the  landing- 
place,  and,  in  answer  to  a  question  of  one  of  his  companions, 
replied — 

"  Go  and  see  her  !  Not  I— I'm  quite  tired  of  her — By- 
Jove,  Fd  as  soon  see  my  wife ; "  and  as  he  finished  the 
sentence,  entered  the  apartment,  where  the  unexpected 
appearance  of  Mrs  Rainscourt  made  him  involuntarily 
exclaim,  "  Talk  of  the  devil " 

"  And  she  appears,  sir,"  replied  the  lady,  rising,  and 
making  a  profound  courtesy. 

**Pooh,  my  dear,"  replied  Rainscourt,  embarrassed,  and 
unwilling  that  a  scene  should  take  place  before  his 
companions — "I  was  only  joking." 

"  Good  morning,  Rainscourt,"  said  one  of  his  friends — 
"  Tm  afraid  that  I  shall  be  de  tropP 

"  And  I'm  off  too,  my  dear  fellow,  for  there's  no  saying 
how  the  joke  may  be  taken,"  added  the  other,  following 
his  companion  out  of  the  room. 

Emily  ran  up  to  her  father,  and  took  his  hand ;  and 
Rainscourt,  who  was  as  much  attached  to  his  daughter 
as  his  selfish  character  would  permit,  kissed  her  forehead. 

Both  parties  were  for  a  short  time  silent.  Both  pre- 
ferred to  await  the  attack,  rather  than  commence  it ;  but 
in  a  trial  of  forbearance  of  this  description,  it  may  easily 
be  supposed  that  the  gentleman  gained  the  victory,  Mrs 
Rainscourt  waited  until  she  found  that  she  must  either 
give  vent  to  her  feelings  by  words,  or  that  her  whole 
frame  would  explode ;  and  the  action  commenced  on  her 
side  with  a  shower  of  tears,  which  ended  in  violent 
hysterics. 

The  first  were  unheeded  by  her  husband,  who  always 
considered  them  as  a  kind  of  scaling  her  guns  previous 
to  an  engagement;  but  the  hysterics  rather  baified  him. 
In  his  own  house,  he  would  have  rung  for  the  servants 


The  King's  Own  i8i 

and  left  them  to  repair  damages ;  but  at  an  hotel,  an 
eclat  was  to  be  avoided,  if  possible. 

**  Emily,  my  dear,  go  to  your  mother — you  know  how 
to  help  her." 

*'No,  I  do  not,  papa,"  said  the  child,  crying  5  "but 
Norah  used  to  open  her  hands." 

Rainscourt's  eyes  were  naturally  directed  to  the  fingers 
of  his  wife,  in  which  he  perceived  a  collection  of  notes 
and  letters.  He  thought  it  might  be  advisable  to  open 
her  hand,  if  it  were  only  to  recover  these  out  of  her 
possession.  What  affection  would  not  have  induced  him 
to  do,  interest  accomplished.  He  advanced  to  the  sofa, 
and  attempted  to  open  her  clenched  hands  ^  but  whether 
Mrs  Rainscourt's  hysterics  were  only  feigned,  or  of  such 
violence  as  to  defy  the  strength  of  her  husband,  all  his 
efforts  to  extract  the  letters  proved  ineffectual,  and,  after 
several  unavailing  attempts,  he  desisted  from  his  exertions. 

"What  else  is  good  for  her,  Emily  ?" 

"Water,  papa,  thrown  in  her  face — shall  I  ring  for 
some  ? " 

"No,  my  dear — is  there  nothing  else  we  can  do?" 

"  Oh,  yes,  papa,  unlace  her  stays." 

Rainscourt,  who  was  not  very  expert  as  a  lady's-maid, 
had  some  difficulty  in  arriving  at  the  stays  through  the 
folds  of  the  gown  et  cetera,  the  more  so  as  Mrs  Rainscourt 
was  very  violent  in  her  movements,  and  he  was  not  a 
little  irritated  by  sundry  pricks  which  he  received  from 
those  indispensable  articles  of  dress,  which  the  fair  sex 
are  necessitated  to  use,  pointing  out  to  us  that  there  are 
no  roses  without  thorns.  When  he  did  arrive  at  the 
desired  encasement,  he  was  just  as  much  puzzled  to  find 
an  end  to  what  appeared,  like  the  Gordian  knot,  to  have 
neither  beginning  nor  end.  Giving  way  to  the  natural 
impatience  of  his  temper,  he  seized  a  penknife  from  the 
table,  to  divide  it  a  V Alexander,  Unfortunately,  in  his 
hurry,  instead  of  inserting  the  knife  on  the  inside  of  the 
lace,  so  as  to  cut  to  him,  he  cut  down  upon  it,  and  not 
meeting  with  the  resistance  which  he  expected,  the  point 


1 82  The  King's  Own 

of  the  knife  entered  with  no  trifling  force  into  the  back 
of  Mrs  Rainscourt,  who  to  his  astonishment,  immediately- 
started  on  her  legs,  crying  out,  "  Would  you  murder  me, 
Mr  Rainscourt  ?— help,  help  !  " 

"It  was  quite  accidental,  my  dear,"  said  Rainscourt, 
in  a  soothing  tone,  for  he  was  afraid  of  her  bringing  the 
whole  house  about  her  ears.  "  I  really  am  quite  shocked 
at  my  own  awkwardness." 

"It  quite  recovered  you  though,  mamma,"  observed 
Emily,  with  great  simplicity,  and  for  which  remark,  to 
her  astonishment,  she  was  saluted  with  a  smart  box  on 
the  ear. 

"Why  should  you  be  shocked,  Mr  Rainscourt?"  said 
the  lady,  who,  as  her  daughter  had  remarked,  seemed 
wonderfully  recovered  from  the  phle-^^^^-omy  which  had 
been  administered, — "  why  should  you  be  shocked  at 
stabbing  me  in  the  back  ?  Have  I  not  wherewithal  in  my 
hand  to  stab  me  a  thousand  times  in  the  heart  ?  Look  at 
these  letters,  all  of  which  I  have  read  !  You  had,  indeed, 
reason  to  leave  me  in  Galway ;  but  I  will  submit  to  it  no 
longer.  Mr  Rainscourt,  I  insist  upon  an  immediate  separa- 
tion." 

"Why  should  we  quarrel,  then,  my  dear,  when  we  are 
both  of  one  mind  ?  Now  do  me  the  favour  to  sit  down, 
and  talk  the  matter  over  quietly.  What  is  it  that  you 
require  ?  " 

"  First,  then,  Mr  Rainscourt,  an  acknowledgment  on 
your  part,  that  I  am  a  most  injured,  and  most  ill-treated 
woman." 

"  Granted,  my  dear,  if  that  will  add  to  your  happiness. 
I  certainly  have  never  known  your  value." 

"  Don't  sneer,  sir,  if  you  please.  Secondly,  a  handsome 
allowance,  commensurate  with  your  fortune." 

"  Granted,  with  pleasure,  Mrs  Rainscourt." 

"  Thirdly,  Mr  Rainscourt,  an  extra  allowance  for  the 
education  and  expenses  of  my  daughter,  who  will  remain 
under  my  care." 

"  Granted  also." 


The  King's  Own  183 

"  Further,  Mr  Rainscourt,  to  keep  up  appearances,  I 
wish  one  of  the  mansions  on  your  different  estates  in 
England  to  be  appropriated  for  our  use.  Your  daughter 
ought  to  be  known,  and  reside  on  the  property  of  which 
she  is  the  future  heiress." 

"  A  reasonable  demand,  which  I  accede  to.  Is  there 
anything  further  ?  " 

"  Nothing  of  moment ;  but,  for  Emily's  sake,  I  should 
wish  that  you  should  pay  us  an  occasional  visit,  and, 
generally  speaking,  keep  up  appearances  before  the  world." 

"  That  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  do,  my  dear,  and  shall 
always  speak  of  you,  as  I  feel,  with  respect  and  esteem. 
Is  there  anything  more,  Mrs  Rainscourt  ?  " 

"  There  is  not  ;  but  I  believe  that  if  I  had  been  ten 
times  more  exorbitant  in  my  demands,"  replied  the  lady, 
with  pique,  "  that  you  would  have  granted  them — for  the 
pleasure  of  getting  rid  of  me." 

"  I  would,  indeed,  my  dear,"  replied  Rainscourt ;  "  you 
may  command  me  in  anything,  except  my  own  person." 

"I  require  no  other  partition,  sir,  than  that  of  your 
fortune." 

"  And  of  that,  my  dear,  you  shall,  as  I  have  declared, 
have  a  liberal  share.  So  now,  Mrs  Rainscourt,  I  think  we 
can  have  no  further  occasion  for  disagreement.  The 
property  in  Norfolk,  where  Admiral  De  Courcy  resided,  is 
a  beautiful  spot,  and  I  request  you  will  consider  it  as  your 
head-quarters.  Of  course  you  will  be  your  own  mistress 
when  you  feel  inclined  to  change  the  scene.  And  now,  as 
all  may  be  considered  as  settled,  let  us  shake  hands,  and 
henceforward  be — good  friends." 

Mrs  Rainscourt  gave  her  hand,  and  sealed  the  new 
contract ;  but,  ill-treated  as  she  had  been, — at  variance 
with  her  husband  for  years, — and  now  convinced  that  she 
had  been  outraged  in  the  tenderest  point,  still  her  heart 
leaned  towards  the  father  of  her  child.  The  hand  that 
now  was  extended  in  earnest  of  future  separation,  re- 
minded her  of  the  day  when  she  had  offered  it  in  pledge 
of  future  fidelity  and  love,  and  had  listened  with  rapture 


184  The  King's  Own 

to  his  reciprocal  obligation.  She  covered  her  face  with 
her  handkerchief,  which  was  soon  moistened  with  her 
tears. 

Such  is  woman  !  To  the  last  moment  she  cherishes  her 
love,  pure  as  an  emanation  from  the  Deity.  In  the  happy- 
days  of  confidence  and  truth,  it  sheds  a  halo  round  her 
existence  ; — in  those  of  sorrow  and  desertion,  memory, 
guided  by  its  resistless  power,  like  the  gnomon  of  the  dial, 
marks  but  those  hours  which  were  sunny  and  serene. 

However,  Mrs  Rainscourt  soon  found  out  that  an  un- 
limited credit  upon  the  banker  was  no  bad  substitute  for 
a  worthless  husband ;  and  assisted  by  her  pride,  she 
enjoyed  more  real  happiness  and  peace  of  mind  than  she 
had  done  for  many  years.  During  her  stay  in  London, 
Rainscourt  occasionally  paid  his  respects,  behaved  with 
great  kindness  and  propriety,  and  appeared  not  a  little 
proud  of  the  expanding  beauty  of  his  daughter.  Mrs 
Rainscourt  not  only  recovered  her  spirits,  but  her  personal 
attractions ;  and  their  numerous  acquaintance  wondered 
what  could  possess  Mr  Rainscourt  to  be  indifferent  to  so 
lively  and  so  charming  a  woman.  In  a  few  weeks  the 
mansion  was  ready  to  receive  them,  and  Mrs  Rainscourt, 
with  Emily,  and  a  numerous  establishment,  quitted  the 
metropolis,  to  take  up  their  abode  in  it  for  the  ensuing 
summer. 


Chapter  XXVI 

Pericles. — That's  your  superstition. 

Sailor. — Pardon  us,  sir.     With  us  at  sea  it  still  hath  been  observed,  and 
we  are  strong  in  earnest. 

Shakespeare. 

The  weather  was  fine,  and  the  water  smooth,  on  the 
morning  when  the  Aspasia  arrived  at  the  reef,  which, 
although  well  known  to  exist,  had  been  very  incorrectly 

laid   down;  and  Captain   M thought  it  advisable  to 

drop  his  anchor,  in  preference  to  laying  off  and  on  so  near 


The  King's  Own  185 

to  dangers  which  might  extend  much  farther  than  he 
was  aware.  The  frigate  was,  therefore,  brought  up  in 
eighteen  fathoms,  about  two  miles  from  that  part  of  the 
reef  which  discovered  itself  above  water. 

The  captain  and  master  undertook  the  survey ;  but  any 
officers,  who  volunteered  their  assistance,  or  midshipmen, 
who  wished  to  profit  by  the  opportunity  of  gaining  a 
practical  knowledge  of  maritime  surveying,  were  permitted 
to  join  the  party,  another  boat  having  been  lowered  down 
for  their  accommodation.  Hector,  the  captain's  Newfound- 
land dog,  was  flying  about  the  decks,  mad  with  delight,  as 
he  always  was  when  a  boat  was  lowered  down,  as  he  anti- 
cipated the  pleasure  of  a  swim.     Captain  M ,  who  had 

breakfasted,  and  whose  boat  was  manned  alongside,  came 
on  deck ;  when  the  dog  fawning  on  him,  he  desired  that 
his  broad  leather  collar,  with  the  ship's  name  in  large  brass 
letters  riveted  round  it,  should  be  taken  off,  that  it  might 
not  be  injured  by  the  salt  water.  Jerry,  who  was  on  deck, 
and  received  the  order,  asked  the  captain  for  the  key  of  the 

padlock  which  secured  it,  and  Captain  M handed  him 

his  bunch  of  keys,  to  which  it  had  been  affixed,  and  desir- 
ing him  to  take  the  collar  off,  and  return  the  keys  to  him, 
descended  again  to  his  cabin. 

Jerry  soon  dispossessed  the  dog  of  his  collar,  and,  ripe 
for  mischief,  went  down  to  the  midshipmen's  berth,  where 
he  found  Prose  alone,  the  rest  being  all  on  deck,  or 
scattered  about  the  ship.  Prose  was  the  person  that  he 
wanted,  being  the  only  one  upon  whom  he  could  venture  a 
practical  joke,  without  incurring  more  risk  than  was  agree- 
able. Jerry  commenced  by  fixing  the  collar  round  his  own 
neck,  and  said  "I  wish  I  could  get  promotion.  Now  if  the 
situation  of  captain's  dog  was  only  vacant,  I  should  like  the 
rating  amazingly.  I  should  soon  get  fat  then,  and  I  think 
I  should  look  well  up  in  this  collar." 

**  Why,  Jerry,  that  collar  certainly  does  look  as  if  it 
was  made  for  you  j  it's  rather  ornamental,  I  do 
declare." 

*'  I  wish  I  had  a  glass,  to  see  how  it  looks.     I  would 


1 86  The  King's  Own 

try  it  on  you,  Prose,  but  you've  such  a  bull  neck,  that  it 
wouldn't  go  half  round  it." 

"Bull  neck,  Jerry — why,  I'll  lay  you  sixpence  that  my 
neck's  almost  as  small  as  yours  ;  and  I'll  lay  you  a  shilling 
that  the  collar  will  go  round  my  neck." 

"  Done  ;  now  let's  see — recollect  the  staple  must  go  into 
the  hole,  or  you  lose,"  said  Jerry,  fixing  the  collar  round 
Prose's  neck,  and  pretending  that  the  staple  was  not  into 
the  hole  of  the  collar  until  he  had  inserted  the  padlock, 
turned  and  taken  out  the  key. 

"  Well  I  do  declare  I've  lost.  Prose.  I  must  go  and  get 
you  the  shilling,"  continued  Jerry,  making  his  escape  out 
of  the  berth,  and  leaving  Prose  with  the  collar  so  tight 
under  his  chin,  that  he  could  scarcely  open  his  mouth. 
Jerry  arrived  on  the  quarter-deck  just  as  the  captain  was 
stepping  into  the  boat,  and  he  went  up  to  him,  and  touch- 
ing his  hat,  presented  him  with  the  bunch  of  keys. 

"  Oh,   thank   you,   Mr  Jerry ;  I  had  forgotten  them," 

said    Captain    M ,  descending  the   side,  and    shoving 

off. 

"  Whose  clothes  are  these  hanging  on  the  davit-guys  ?  " 
said  Mr  Bully,  who  had  given  order  that  no  clothes  were 
to  be  drying  there  after  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

"  I  believe  that  they  are  Mr  Prose's,  sir,  though  I  am  not 
sure,"  answered  Jerry,  who  knew  very  well  that  they  were 
not,  but  wished  that  Prose  should  be  sent  for. 

"  Quarter-master,  tell  Mr  Prose  to  come  up  to  me 
directly." 

Jerry  immediately  ran  down  to  the  berth. 

"  Well,  now,  Jerry,  this  is  too  bad,  I  do  declare. 
Come,  take  it  off  again,  that's  a  good  fellow." 

"  Mr  Prose,"  said  the  quarter-master,  "  the  first  lieuten- 
ant wants  you  on  deck  directly." 

"  There,  now,  Jerry,  what  a  mess  I  might  have  been  in. 
Where's  the  key?" 

"  I  have  not  got  it,"  replied  Jerry ;  "  the  captain  saw 
me  on  the  quarter-deck,  and  took  the  bunch  of  keys  away 
with  him.' 


The  King's  Own  187 

""What !  is  the  captain  gone  away  ?  I  do  declare  now, 
this  is  too  bad,"  cried  Prose,  in  a  rage. 

"  Too  bad  ! — why,  man,  don't  be  angry — it*s  a  distinction. 
Between  me  and  the  first  lieutenant,  you  are  created  a 
knight  of  the  Grand  Cross.  I  gave  you  the  collar,  and  he 
has  given  you  the  order,  which  I  recommend  you  to 
comply  with,  without  you  wish  further  elevation  to  the 
mast-head." 

"  Mr  Prose,  the  first  lieutenant  wants  you  immediately," 
said  the  quarter-master,  who  had  been  despatched  to  him 
again. 

**  Why,  how  can  I  go  up  with  a  dog's  collar  round  my 
neck?" 

**  I'm  sorry,  very  sorry  indeed.  Prose.  Never  mind — 
say  it  was  me." 

"  Say  it  was  you  !  Why  so  it  was  you.  I'd  better  say 
that  I'm  sick." 

"  Yes,  that  will  do.  What  shall  your  complaint  be  ? — 
a  lockjaw  ?     I'll  go  up  and  tell  Mr  Bully— shall  I  ?  " 

<«  Do — tell  him  I'm  not  well." 

Jerry  went  up  accordingly.  "  Mr  Prose  is  not  well,  sir 
— he  has  a  sort  of  lock-jaw." 

"I  wish  to  God  you  had  the  same  complaint,  sir," 
replied  the  first  lieutenant,  who  owed  him  one.  "  Macallan, 
is  Mr  Prose  ill?" 

**Not  that  I  know  of;  he  has  not  applied  to  me.  I'll 
go  down  and  see  him  before  I  go  on  shore." 

Macallan  came  up  laughing,  but  he  recovered  his 
seriousness  before  Bully  perceived  it. 

"Well,  doctor." 

"  Mr  Prose  is  certainly  not  very  fit  to  come  on  deck  in 
his  present  state,"  said  Macallan,  who  then  descended  the 
side,  and  the  boat,  which  had  been  waiting  for  him, 
shoved  off.  But,  this  time,  Jerry  was  caught  in  his  own 
trap. 

"  Mr  J ,  where  is   the   dog's  collar  ? — it   must  be 

oiled  and  cleaned,"  said  the  first  lieutenant. 

"  Shall  I  give  it  to  the  armourer,  sir  ? "  replied  Jerry. 


1 88  The  King's  Own 

"  No,  bring  it  up  to  me." 

Jerry  went  down,  and  returned  in  a  few  minutes.  "  I 
cannot  find  it,  sir  ;  I  left  it  in  the  berth  when  I  came  on 
deck." 

"That's  just  like  your  usual   carelessness,  Mr  J . 

Now  go  up  to  the  mast-head,  and  stay  there  till  I  call 
you  down." 

Jerry,  who  did  not  like  the  turn  which  the  joke  had 
taken,  moved  up  with  a  very  reluctant  step — at  the  rate  of 
about  one  rattling  in  ten  seconds. 

"  Come,  sir,  what  are  you  about  ? — start-up.^^ 

"  I'm  no  upstart,  sir,"  replied  Jerry  to  the  first 
lieutenant — a  sarcasm  which  hit  so  hard,  that  Jerry  was 
not  called  down  till  dark  j  and  long  after  Prose  had,  by 
making  interest  with  the  captain's  steward,  obtained  the 
keys,  and  released  his  neck  from  its  enthralment. 

The  party  in  the  second  boat  were  landed  on  the  reef, 
and  while  the  rest  were  attending  to  the  survey,  Macallan 
was  employed  in  examining  the  crevices  of  the  rocks,  and 
collecting  the  different  objects  of  natural  history  which 
presented  themselves. 

The  boat  was  sent  on  board,  as  it  was  not  required 
until  the  afternoon,  when  the  gun-room  officers  were  to 
return  to  dinner. 

The  captain's  gig  remained  on  shore,  and  the  coxswain 
was  employed  by  Macallan  in  receiving  from  him  the 
different  shells,  and  varieties  of  coral,  with  which  the  rocks 
were  covered. 

"  Take  particular  care  of  this  specimen,"  said  the 
surgeon,  as  he  delivered  a  bunch  of  corallines  into  the 
hands  of  Marshall,  the  coxswain. 

**  I  ax  your  pardon,  Mr  Macallan, — but  what's  the  good 
of  picking  up  all  this  rubbish  ?  " 

"  Rubbish  ?"  replied  the  surgeon,  laughing — *'  why  you 
don't  know  what  it  is.  What  do  you  think  those  are 
which  I  just  gave  you  ? " 

*'Why,  weeds  are  rubbish,  and  these  be  only  pieces 
of  sea-weed." 


The  King's  Own  189 

**  They  happen  to  be  animals.''^ 

"  Hanimals  I  "  cried  the  coxswain,  with  an  incredulous 
smile;  "well,  sir,  I  always  took  'em  to  be  iveggittables. 
We  live  and  larn,  sure  enough.  Are  cabbage  and  hingions 
hanimals  too  ?  " 

"No,"  replied  the  surgeon,  much  amused,  "they  are 
not,  Marshall ;  but  these  are.  Now  take  them  to  the  boat, 
and  put  them  in  a  safe  place,  and  then  come  back." 

"  I  say.  Bill,  look  ye  here,"  said  the  coxswain  to  one  of 
the  sailors,  who  was  lying  down  on  the  thwarts  of  the  boat, 
holding  up  the  coral  to  him  in  a  contemptuous  manner — 
"  what  the  hell  d'ye  think  this  is  }     Why,  it's  a  hanimal !  " 

"  A  what  ?  " 

"  I'll  be  blowed  if  the  doctor  don't  say  it's  a  hanimal  !  " 

"No  more  a  hanimal  than  I  am,"  replied  the  sailor, 
laying  his  head  down  again  on  the  thwarts,  and  shutting 
his  eyes. 

In  a  few  minutes  Marshall  returned  to  the  surgeon, 
who,  tired  with  clambering  over  the  rocks,  was  sitting 
down  to  rest  himself  a  little.  "Well,  Marshall,  I  hope 
you  have  not  hurt  what  I  gave  into  your  charge." 

"  Hurt  'em  ! — why,  sir,  a'ter  what  you  told  me,  I'd  as 
soon  have  hurt  a  cat." 

"  What,  you  are  superstitious  on  that  point,  as  seamen 
generally  are." 

"  Super — what,  Mr  Macallan  ?  I  only  knows,  that  they 
who  ill-treats  a  cat,  comes  worst  oiF.  I've  proof  positive 
of  that  since  I  have  been  in  the  service.  I  could  spin  you 
a  yarn." 

"Well,  now,  Marshall,  pray  do.  Come,  sit  down  here 
— I  am  fond  of  proof  positive.  Now,  let  me  hear  what 
you  have  to  say,  and  I'll  listen  without  interrupting  you. 

The  coxswain  took  his  seat  as  Macallan  desired,  and, 
taking  the  quid  of  tobacco  out  of  his  cheek,  and  laying 
it  down  on  the  rock  beside  him,  commenced  as  follows  : — 

"Well  now,  d'ye  see,  Mr  Macallan,  I'll  just  exactly 
tell  you  how  it  was,  and  then  I  leaves  you  to  judge 
whether  a  cat's  to  be  sarved  in  that  way.     It  was  when 


190  The  King's  Own 

I  belonged  to  the  Survellanty  frigate,  that  we  were  laying 
in  Cawsand  Bay,  awaiting  for  sailing  orders.  We  hadn't 
dropped  the  anchor  more  than  a  week,  and  there  was  no 
liberty  ashore.  Well,  sir,  the  purser  found  out  that  his 
steward  was  a  bit  of  a  rascal,  and  turns  him  adrift.  The 
ship's  company  knew  that  long  afore  ;  for  it  was  not  a  few 
that  he  had  cheated,  and  we  were  all  glad  to  see  him  and 
his  traps  handed  down  the  side.  Now,  sir,  this  here 
fellow  had  a  black  cat — but  it  warn't  at  all  like  other  cats. 
When  it  was  a  kitten,  they  had  cut  off  his  tail  close  to  its 
starn,  and  his  ears  had  been  shaved  oiFjust  as  close  to  his 
figure-head,  and  the  hanimal  used  to  set  up  on  his  hind 
legs  and  fight  like  a  rabbit.  It  had  quite  lost  its  natur, 
as  it  were,  and  looked,  for  all  the  world,  like  a  little  imp 
of  darkness.  It  always  lived  in  the  purser's  steward's 
room,  and  we  never  seed  him  but  when  we  went  down 
for  the  biscuit  and  flour  as  was  sarving  out. 

*'  Well,  sir,  when  this  rascal  of  a  steward  leaves  the 
ship,  he  had  no  natural  affection  for  his  cat,  and  he  leaves 
him  on  board,  belonging  to  nobody ;  and  the  steward 
as  comes  in  his  place  turns  him  out  of  the  steward's 
room ;  so  the  poor  jury  rigged  little  devil  had  to  take 
care  of  itself. 

*'  We  all  tried  to  coax  it  into  one  berth  or  the  other, 
but  the  poor  brute  wouldn't  take  to  nobody.  You  know, 
sir,  a  cat  doesn't  like  to  change,  so  he  wandered  about 
the  ship,  mewing  all  day,  and  thieving  all  night.  At 
last,  he  takes  to  the  master's  cabin,  and  makes  a  dirt 
there,  and  the  master  gets  very  savage,  and  swears  that 
he'll  kill  him,  if  ever  he  comes  athwart  him. 

*'  Now,  sir,  you  knows  it's  the  natur  of  cats  always  to 
make  a  dirt  in  the  same  place, — reason  why,  God  only 
knows  5  and  so  this  poor  black  devil  always  returns  to 
the  master's  cabin,  and  makes  it,  as  it  were,  his  head- 
quarters. At  last  the  master,  who  was  as  even-tempered 
an  officer  as  ever  I  sailed  with,  finds  one  day  that  his 
sextant  case  is  all  of  a  smudge  :  so  being  touched  in  a 
sore  place,  he  gets  into  a  great  rage,  and  orders  all  the 


The  King's  Own  191 

boys  of  the  ship  to  catch  the  cat ;  and  after  much  ado, 
the  poor  cat  was  catched,  and  brought  aft  into  the  gun- 
room.    *  Now,  then,  P ,'  said  the  master  to  the  first 

lieutenant,  *  will  you  help  kill  the  dirty  beast  ? ' — and  the 
first  lieutenant,  who  cared  more  about  his  lower  deck 
being  clean  than  fifty  human  beings'  lives,  said  he  would ; 
so  they  called  the  sargent  o'  marines,  and  orders  him  to 
bring  up  two  ship's  muskets  and  some  ball  cartridge,  and 
they  goes  on  deck  with  the  cat  in  their  arms. 

"  Well,  sir,  when  the  men  saw  the  cat  brought  up  on 
deck,  and  hears  that  he  was  to  be  hove  overboard,  they 
all  congregates  together  upon  the  lee  gangway,  and  gives 
their  opinions  on  the  subject, — and  one  says,  *  Let's  go 
and  speak  to  the  first  lieutenant ; '  and  another  says,  *  He'll 
put  you  on  the  black  list ; '  and  so  they  don't  do  nothing 
— all  except  Jenkins,  the  boatswain's  mate,  who  calls  to 
a  waterman  out  of  the  main-deck  port,  and  says,  *  Water- 
man,' says  he,  *  when  they  heaves  that  cat  overboard,  do 
you  pick  him  up,  and  I'll  give  you  a  shilling ; '  and  the 
waterman  says  as  how  he  would,  for  you  see,  sir,  the 
men  didn't  know  that  the  muskets  had  been  ordered  up 
to  shoot  the  poor  beast. 

**  Well,  sir,  the  waterman  laid  off  on  his  oars,  and  the 
men,  knowing  what  Jenkins  had  done,  were  content. 
But  when  the  sargent  o'  marines  comes  up,  and  loads  the 
muskets  with  ball  cartridges,  then  the  men  begins  to 
grumble ;  howsomever,  the  master  throws  the  cat  over- 
board off  the  lee-quarter,  and  the  waterman,  as  soon  as 
he  sees  her  splash  in  the  water,  backs  astarn  to  take  her 
into  the  boat,  but  the  first  lieutenant  tells  him  to  get 
out  of  the  way,  if  he  doesn't  want  a  bullet  through  his 
boat — so  he  pulls  ahead  again.  The  master  fires  first, 
and  hits  the  cat  a  clip  on  the  neck,  which  turns  her  half 
over,  and  the  first  lieutenant  fires  his  musket,  and  cuts 
the  poor  hanimal  right  in  half  by  the  backbone,  and  she 
sprawls  a  bit,  and  then  goes  down  to  the  bottom.  *  Capital 
shots  both,'  says  the  first  lieutenant :  *  he'll  never  take  an 
observation  of  your  sextant  again,  master ; '  and  they  both 


192  The  King's  Own 

laughs  heartily,  and  goes  down  the  ladder  to  get  their 
dinner. 

"  Well,  sir,  I  never  seed  a  ship's  company  in  such  a 
farmant,  or  such  a  nitty  kicked  up  'tween  decks,  in  my 
life  :  it  was  almost  as  bad  as  a  mutiny ;  but  they  piped 
to  grog  soon  a'ter,  and  the  men  goes  to  their  berths  and 
talks  the  matter  over  more  coolly,  and  they  all  agrees 
that  no  good  would  come  to  the  ship  a'ter  that,  and  very 
melancholy  they  were,  and  couldn't  forget  it. 

"  Well,  sir,  our  sailing  orders  comes  down  the  next 
day,  and  the  first  cutter  is  sent  on  shore  for  the  captain, 
and  six  men  out  of  ten  leaves  the  boat,  and  I'm  sure  that 
it  warn't  for  desartion,  but  all  along  of  that  cat  being  hove 
overboard  and  butchered  in  that  way — for  three  on  'em 
were  messmates  of  mine — for  you  know,  sir,  we  talks 
them  matters  over,  and  if  they  had  had  a  mind  to  quit 
the  sarvice,  I  should  have  know'd  it.  The  captain  was 
as  savage  as  a  bear  with  a  sore  head,  and  did  nothing 
but  growl  for  three  days  afterwards,  and  it  was  well  to 
keep  clear  on  him,  for  he  snapped  right  and  left,  like  a 
mad  dog.  I  never  seed  him  in  such  a  humour  afore, 
except  once  when  he  had  a  fortnight's  foul  wind. 

"  Well,  sir,  we  had  been  out  a  week,  when  we  falls 
in  with  a  large  frigate,  and  beats  to  quarters.  We  ex- 
pected her  to  be  a  Frenchman ;  but  as  soon  as  she  comes 
within  gunshot,  she  hoists  the  private  signal,  and  proves 
to  be  the  Semiramus,  and  our  senior  officer.  The  next 
morning,  cruising  together,  we  sees  a  vessel  inshore,  and 
the  Semiramus  stands  in  on  the  larboard  tack,  and  orders 
us  by  signal  to  keep  away,  and  prevent  his  running  along 
the  coast.  The  vessel,  finding  that  she  couldn't  go  no 
way,  comes  to  anchor  under  a  battery  of  two  guns — and 
then  the  commodore  makes  the  signal  for  boats  manned 
and  armed,  to  cut  her  out. 

**  Well,  sir,  our  first  lieutenant  was  in  his  cot,  on  his 
beam-ends,  with  the  rheumatiz,  and  couldn't  go  on 
sarvice ;  so  the  second  and  third  lieutenants,  and  master, 
and  one  of  the  midshipmen,   had  command  of  our  four 


The  King's  Own  193 

boats,  and  the  commodore  sent  seven  of  his'n.  The 
boats  pulled  in,  and  carried  the  vessel  in  good  style,  and 
there  never  was  a  man  hurt.  As  many  boats  as  could 
clap  on  her  took  her  in  tow,  and  out  she  came  at  the 
rate  of  four  knots  an  hour.  I  was  coxswain  of  the 
pinnace,  which  was  under  the  charge  of  the  master,  and 
we  were  pulling  on  board,  as  all  the  boats  weren't  wanted 
to  tow — and  we  were  about  three  cables'  length  ahead 
of  the  vessel,  when  I  sees  her  aground  upon  a  rock, 
that  nobody  knows  nothing  about,  on  the  starboard  side 
of  the  entrance  of  the  harbour ;  and  I  said  that  she  were 
grounded  to  the  master,  who  orders  us  to  pull  back  to 
the  vessel  to  assist  'em  in  getting  her  off  again. 

**  Well,  sir,  we  gets  alongside  of  her,  and  finds  that  she 
was  off  again,  having  only  grazed  the  rock,  and  the  boats 
towed  her  out  again  with  a  rally.  Now  the  Frenchmen 
were  firing  at  us  with  muskets,  for  we  had  shut  in  the 
battery,  and  as  we  were  almost  out  of  the  musket-shot, 
the  balls  only  pitted  in  the  water,  without  doing  any  harm 
— and  I  was  a-standing  with  the  master  on  the  starn-sheets, 
my  body  being  just  between  him  and  the  beach  where  they 
were  a-firing  from.  It  seemed  mortally  impossible  to  hit 
him,  except  through  me.  Howsomever,  a  bullet  passes 
between  my  arm — just  here,  and  my  side,  and  striked  him 
dead  upon  the  spot.  There  warn't  another  man  hit  out  of 
nine  boat's  crews,  and  I'll  leave  you  to  guess  whether  the 
sailors  didn't  declare  that  he  got  his  death  all  along  of 
murdering  the  cat. 

"Well,  sir,  the  men  thought,  as  he  \\2A  fired  first ,  that 
now  all  was  over ;  only  Jenkins,  the  boatswain's  mate,  said, 
*  That  he  warn't  quite  sure  of  that.'  We  parts  company 
with  the  commodore  the  next  day,  and  the  day  a'ter,  as  it 
turned  out,  we  falls  in  with  a  French  frigate.  She  had  the 
heels  of  us,  and  kept  us  at  long  balls,  but  we  hoped  to  cut 
her  off  from  running  into  Brest,  if  a  slant  o'  wind  favoured 
us — and  obligating  her  to  fight,  whether  or  no.  Tom 
Collins,  the  first  lieutenant,  was  still  laid  up  in  his  cot  with 
the  rheumatiks,  but  when  he  hears  of  a  French  frigate, 

K.      I.  N 


194  The  King's  Own 

he  gets  up,  and  goes  on  deck ;  but  when  he  gets  there  he 
tips  us  a  faint,  and  falls  down  on  the  carronade  slide,  and 
his  hat  rolled  off  his  head  into  the  waist.  He  tried,  but 
he  was  so  weak  that  he  couldn't  get  up  on  his  sticks 
again. 

"Well,  sir,  the  captain  goes  up  to  him,  and  says  some- 
thing about  zeal  and  all  that,  and  tells  him  he  must  go  down 
below  again  because  he's  quite  incapable,  and  orders  the 
men  at  the  foremost  carronades  to  take  him  to  his  cot. 
Now,  sir,  just  as  we  were  handing  him  down  the  ladder, 
for  I  was  captain  of  the  gun,  a  shot  comes  in  at  the  second 
port  and  takes  off  his  skull  as  he  lays  in  our  arms,  and 
never  hurts  another  man.  He  was  dead  in  no  time ;  and 
what  was  more  cur'ous,  it  was  the  only  shot  that  hit  the 
frigate.  The  Frenchman  got  into  Brest — so  it  was  no  action 
after  all. 

"  So,  you  see,  Mr  Macallan,  in  two  scrummages  only  two 
men  were  killed  out  of  hundreds,  and  they  were  the  two 
who  had  killed  the  cat !  Now,  that's  what  I  calls  proof 
positive,  for  I  seed  it  all  with  my  own  eyes  ;  and  I  should 
like  to  know  whether  you  could  do  the  same,  with  regard 
to  that  thing  being  a  hanimall  " 

"  I  will,  Marshall  5  to-morrow  you  shall  see  that  with 
your  own  eyes." 

"To-morrow  come  never!"*  muttered  the  coxswain, 
replacing  the  quid  of  tobacco  in  his  cheek. 


Chapter    XXVII 


And,  lo  !  while  he  was  expounding,  in  set  terms,  the  most  abstruse  of  his 
pious  doctrines,  the  head  of  the  tub  whereon  the  good  man  stood  gave  way, 
and  the  preacher  was  lost  from  before  the  eyes  of  the  whole  congregation. 

Life  of  the  Rev.  Mr  Smith,  S.S. 

Seymour,    who    was   always    the   companion   of  Captain 
M ,  whenever  either  instruction  or  amusement  was  to 

*  The  phraseology  of  sailors  has  been  so  caricatured  of  late,  that  I  am 
afraid  my  story  will  be  considered  as  translated  into  English.  Seamen,  how- 
ever, must  decide  which  is  correct. 


The  King's  Own  195 

be  gained,  now  quitted  the  surveying  party  to  join  Macallan, 
who  still  continued  seated  on  the  rocks,  reflecting  upon  the 
remarkable  coincidence  which  the  coxswain  had  narrated, 
sufficient  in  itself  to  confirm  the  superstitious  ideas  of  the 
sailors  for  another  century.  His  thoughts  naturally  reverted 
to  the  other  point,  in  which  sea-faring  men  are  equally 
bigoted,  the  disastrous  consequences  of  **  sailing  on  a 
Friday  •, "  the  origin  of  which  superstition  can  easily  be 
traced  to  early  Catholicism,  when  out  of  respect  for  the  day 
of  universal  redemption,  they  were  directed  by  their  pastors 
to  await  the  "  morrow's  sun."  "  Thus,"  mentally  exclaimed 
Macallan,  '*  has  religion  degenerated  into  superstition  ;  and 
that  which,  from  the  purity  of  its  origin,  would  have 
commanded  our  respect,  is  now  only  deserving  of  our 
contempt.  It  is  by  the  motives  that  have  produced  them, 
that  our  actions  must  be  weighed.  That  which  once  was 
an  offering  of  religious  veneration  and  love,  is  now  a 
tribute  to  superstition  and  to  fear.  "  Well,  Seymour,"  said 
he,  addressing  his  companion,  **  how  do  you  like  sur- 
veying ?" 

"  Not  much  5  the  sun  is  hot,  and  the  glare  so  powerful 
that  I  am  almost  blind.  What  a  pity  it  is  that  we  had  not 
some  trees  here,  to  shade  us  from  the  heat.  I  should  like 
to  plant  some  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  may  come  after 
us." 

**  A  correct  feeling  on  your  part,  my  boy ;  but  no  trees 
would  grow  here  at  present — there  is  no  soil." 

"  There  is  plenty  of  some  sort  or  other,  in  the  part 
where  we  have  been  surveying." 

"  Yes,  the  sand  thrown  up  by  the  sea,  and  the  particles 
of  shells  and  rock,  which  have  been  triturated  by  the  wave, 
or  decomposed  by  the  alternate  action  of  the  elements  ;  but 
there  is  no  vegetable  matter,  without  which  there  can  be  no 
vegetable  produce.  Observe,  Willy — the  skeleton  of  this 
earth  is  framed  of  rocks  and  mountains,  which  have  been 
proudly  rearing  their  heads  into  the  clouds,  or  lying  in  dark 
majesty  beneath  the  seas,  since  the  creation  of  the  world, 
when  they  were  fixed  by  the  Almighty  architect,  to  remaia 


196  The  King's  Own 

till  time  shall  be  no  more.  Over  them,  we  find  the  wrecks 
of  a  former  world — once  as  beautiful,  as  thickly  peopled 
but  more  thoughtless  and  more  wicked  than  the  present — 
which  was  hurled  into  one  general  chaos,  and  its  com- 
ponent, but  incongruous  parts,  amalgamated  in  awful 
mockery  by  the  deluge — that  tremendous  evidence  of  the 
wrath  of  Heaven.  But  it  has  long  passed  away  ;  and  o'er 
the  relics  of  former  creation,  o'er  the  kneaded  mass  of  man 
in  his  pride,  of  woman  in  her  beauty,  of  arts  in  their  splen- 
dour, of  vice  in  her  zenith,  and  of  virtue  in  her  tomb,  we 
are  standing  upon  another,  teeming  with  life,  and  yielding 
forth  her  fruits  in  due^  season  as  before.  But,  Willy,  the 
supports  of  life  are  not  to  be  found  in  primeval  rocks  or 
antediluvial  remains.  It  is  from  the  superficial  covering, 
the  thin  crust  with  which  the  earth  is  covered,  composed 
of  the  remains  of  former  existence,  of  the  brescia  of 
exhausted  nature,  that  animal  creation  derives  its  support  j 
and  it  is  the  grand  axiom  of  the  universe,  that  animal  life 
can  only  be  supported  by  animal  remains.  From  the  meanest 
insect  that  crawls  upon  the  ground,  to  man  in  his  perfection, 
life  is  supported  and  continued  by  animal  and  vegetable 
food;  and  it  is  only  the  decayed  matter  returned  to  the 
earth,  which  enables  the  lofty  cedar  to  extend  its  boughs, 
or  the  lowly  violet  to  exhale  its  perfume.  This  is  a  world 
of  eternal  reproduction  and  decay — one  endless  cycle  of  the 
living  preying  on  the  dead — a  phoenix,  yearly,  daily,  and 
hourly  springing  from  its  ashes,  in  renewed  strength  and 
beauty.  The  blade  of  grass,  which  shoots  from  the  soil, 
flowers,  casts  its  seed,  and  dies,  to  make  room  for  its  off- 
spring, nourished  by  the  relics  of  its  parent,  is  a  type  of 
the  never-changing  law,  controlling  all  nature,  even  to 
man  himself,  who  must  pass  away  to  make  room  for  the 
generation  which  is  to  come." 

The  boat,  which,  returning  from  the  ship,  appeared  like 
a  black  speck  on  the  water,  indicated  that  the  dinner  hour 
was  at  hand ;  and  Price  and  the  purser,  who  had  come  on 
shore  with  Macallan,  now  joined  him  and  Willy,  who  were 
sitting  down  on  the  rocks  at  the  water's  edge. 


The  King's  Own  197 

"  Well,  Macallan,"  said  Price,  "  it's  a  fine  thing  to  be  a 
philosopher.  What  is  that  which  Milton  says  ?  Let  me 
see  ! — sweet — something — divine  philosophy — I  forget  the 
exact  words.     Well,  what  have  you  caught  ? " 

"  If  you've  caught  nothing,  doctor,  you're  better  off  than 
I  am,"  said  the  purser,  wiping  his  brow,  **  for  I've  caught 
a  head-ache." 

"  I  have  been  very  well  amused,"  replied  Macallan. 

"  Ay,  I  suppose,  like  what's-his-name  in  the  forest — you 
recollect  ?  " 

"No,  indeed  I  do  not." 

** Don't  you?  Bless  my  soul — you  know,  sermons  in 
stones,  and  good  in  everything.  I  forget  how  the  lines 
run.  Don't  you  recollect,  O'Keefe  ? "  continued  Price, 
speaking  loud  in  the  purser's  ear. 

**  No,  I  never  collect.  I  don't  understand  these  things," 
replied  the  purser,  taking  his  seat  by  Macallan,  and  address- 
ing him — "  I  cannot  think  what  pleasure  there  can  be  in 
poking  about  the  rocks  as  you  do." 

*'  It  serves  to  amuse  me,  O'Keefe." 

"  Abuse  you,  my  dear  fellow  !  Indeed  I  never  meant  it 
= — I  beg  your  pardon — you  mistook  me." 

"  It  was  my  fault.  I  did  not  speak  sufficiently  loud. 
Make  no  apology." 

"Too  proud  to  make  an  apology  ! — ^No,  indeed — I  only 
asked  what  amusement  you  could  find  ? — that's  all." 

"  What  amusement  ?"  replied  Macallan,  rising  from  his 
seat,  annoyed  at  these  repeated  attacks  from  all  quarters 
upon  his  favourite  study.  "  Listen  to  me,  and  I  will 
explain  to  you  how  investigation  is  the  parent  of  both  amuse- 
ment and  instruction.  What  is  this  rock  that  I  am  standing 
on  ?  Has  it  remained  here  for  ages  to  be  dashed  by  the 
furious  ocean  ? — or  has  it  lately  sprung  from  the  depths, 
from  the  silent  labour  of  the  indefatigable  zoophites  ? 
Look  at  its  sides,  behold  the  variety  of  marine  vegetation 
with  which  it  is  loaded.  Are  they  of  the  class  of  the  ulvse, 
confervae,  or  fuci  ? — to  be  welcomed  as  old  acquaintance, 
or,  hitherto  unnoticed,  to  be  added  to  the  catalogue   of 


198  The  King's  Own 

Nature's  endless  stores  ?  And  what  are  those  corals,  that, 
like  mimic  tenants  of  the  forest,  extend  their  graceful 
boughs  ?  Look  at  the  variety  of  shells  which  are  adhering 
to  its  sides.  Observe  the  patellse — with  what  tenacity  they 
cling  to  save  themselves  from  being  washed  into  the  deep 
water,  and  being  devoured  by  the  fishes  that  are  playing  in 
its  chasms  !  What  a  source  of  endless  amusement,  what  a 
field  for  deep  reflection,  is  there  in  the  investigation  of  this 
one  little  rock  !  When  you  contemplate  the  instinct  of  the 
different  species,  the  powers  given  to  them,  so  adapted  to 
their  wants  and  their  privations — is  not  the  eye  delighted, 
is  not  the  mind  enlarged,  and  are  not  the  feelings  har- 
monised ?  Study  the  works  of  the  creation,  and  you  turn 
a  desert  into  a  peopled  city — a  barren  rock  into  a  source  of 
admiration  and  delight.  Nay,  search  into  Nature  for  a  few 
minutes,  and  you  rise  a  better  man.     Dive  into " 

What  the  conclusion  of  the  doctor's  rhapsody  may  have 
been,  is  not  known ;  for,  stamping  too  energetically  upon 
the  sea-weed  on  the  edge  of  the  rock,  his  foot  slipped, 
and  he  disappeared,  with  the  perpendicular  descent  and 
velocity  of  a  deep  sea  lead,  into  the  water  alongside  of  it. 

Marshall,  the  coxswain,  who  had  been  astonished  at 
his  speech,  to  which  he  had  listened  with  mouth  open  for 
want  of  comprehension,  quite  forgot  the  respect  due  to 
an  officer,  at  his  unexpected  finale. 

"  Watch  there,  watch  !  "  cried  the  man,  and  then  threw 
himself  down,  and  rolled  in  convulsions  of  laughter. 
Price  and  Willy,  whose  mirth  was  almost  as  excessive, 
did  however  run  to  his  assistance,  and  caught  him  by  the 
collar  as  he  rose  again  to  the  surface,  for  it  was  consider- 
ably out  of  his  depth ;  while  the  deaf  purser,  whose  eyes 
had  been  fixed  on  the  ground,  in  deep  attention  to  catch 
the  doctor's  word,  and  whose  ears  were  not  sufficiently 
acute  to  hear  the  splash,  looked  up  as  they  were  going 
to  his  assistance,  and  asked,  with  surprise,  "  Where's  the 
doctor  ? " 

The  sides  of  the  rock  were  so  slippery,  that  the  united 
efforts  of  Price  and  Seymour  (whose  powers  were  much 


The  King's  Own  199 

enfeebled  from  extreme  mirth)  were  not  sufficient  to  haul 
Macallan  upon  terra  firma.  **  Marshall,  come  here  directly, 
sir,  and  help  us,"  cried  Willy, — an  order  which  the  cox- 
swain, who  was  sufficiently  recovered,  immediately  obeyed. 

"  Give  me  your  hand,  Mr  Macallan,"  said  the  man,  as 
the  surgeon  was  clinging  to  the  sea-weed;  *'it's  no  use 
holding  on  by  them  slippery  hanimals.  Now  then,  Mr 
Price — all  together." 

"  Ay,  and  as  soon  as  you  please,"  called  out  the  malicious 
boat-keeper  of  the  gig — **I  seed  a  large  shark  but  a 
minute  ago." 

"  Quick — quick  !  "  roared  the  surgeon,  who  already 
imagined  his  leg  encircled  by  the  teeth  of  the  ravenous 
animal. 

By  their  united  efforts,  Macallan  was  at  last  safely 
landed — and,  after  much  sputtering,  blowing,  and  puffing, 
was  about  to  address  the  coxswain  in  no  very  amicable 
manner,  when  the  purser  interrupted  him. 

**  By  the  powers,  doctor,  but  you  took  the  right  way 
to  have  a  close  examination  of  all  those  fine  things  which 
you  were  giving  us  a  catalogue  of;  but  now  give  us  the 
remainder  of  your  speech — you  gave  us  a  practical  illustra- 
tion of  diving." 

"  What  sort  of  sensation  was  it,  doctor  ? "  said  Price. 
"  You  recollect  Shakespeare — and  *  O,  methinks  what 
pain  it  was  to  drown ' — Let  me  see — something " 

"Pray  don't  tax  your  memory.  Price;  it's  something 
like  our  country, — past  all  further  taxation." 

"That's  the  severest  thing  you've  said  since  we've 
sailed  together.  You're  out  of  humour,  doctor.  Well, 
you  know  what  Shakespeare  says  :  *  There  never  yet  was 
found  a  philosopher' — something  about  the  toothache. 
I  forget  the  words." 

These  attacks  did  not  at  all  tend  to  restore  the  equanimity 
of  the  doctor's  temper,  which,  it  must  be  acknowledged, 
had  some  excuse  for  being  disturbed  by  the  events  of  the 
morning ;  but  he  proved  himself  a  wise  man,  for  he  made 
no   further   reply.     The   boat  pulled  in,   and   the   party 


200  The  King's  Own 

returned  on  board  ;  and  when  Macallan  had  divested  him- 
self of  his  uncomfortable  attire,  and  joined  his  messmates 
at  the  dinner  table,  he  had  recovered  his  usual  serenity 
of  disposition,  and  joined  himself  in  the  laugh  which  had 
been  created  at  his  expense. 


Chapter   XXVIII 

A  man  must  serve  his  time  to  every  trade 
Save  censure, — critics  all  are  ready  made. 
Take  hacknied  jokes  from  Miller,  got  by  rote, 
With  just  enough  of  learning  to  misquote ; 
A  mind  well  skill'd  to  find  or  forge  a  fault, 
A  turn  for  punning — call  it  Attic  salt : 
Fear  not  to  lie,  'tw^ill  seem  a  lucky  hit, 
Shrink  not  from  blasphemy,  'twill  pass  for  wit ; 
Care  not  for  feeling, — pass  your  proper  jest, 
And  stand  a  critic !  hated,  yet  caress'd. 

Byron. 

The  survey  was  continued.  One  morning,  after  a  fatiguing 
walk  from  point  to  point,  occasionally  crossing  from  one 
islet  to  the  others  in  the  boats,  the  party  collected  under 
a  projecting  rock,  which  screened  them  from  the  rays  of 
the  vertical  sun,  and  the  repast,  which  had  been  brought 
from  the  ship  in  the  morning,  was  spread  before  them. 

The    party   consisted    of    Captain   M ;    Pearce,    the 

master ;  the  surgeon,  who  had  accompanied  them  to 
explore   the   natural   productions   of  the   reef;    and   the 

confidential  clerk  of  Captain  M ,  a  man  of  the  name 

of  Collier,  who  had  been  many  years  in  his  service,  and 
who  was  now  employed  in  noting  down  the  angles  taken 
with  the  theodolite. 

Tired  with  the  labours  of  the  morning.  Captain  M 

did  not  rise  immediately  after  their  meal  had  been  de- 
spatched, but  entered  into  conversation  with  the  surgeon, 
who  was  looking  over  the  memoranda  which  he  had  made 
relative  to  the  natural  history  of  the  reef. 


The  King's  Own  201 

"  Do  you  intend  to  write  a  book,  Mr  Macallan,  that 
you  have  collected  so  many  remarks  ?  " 

"  Indeed  I  do  not,  sir.  I  have  no  ambition  to  be  an 
author." 

The  clerk,  who  was  very  taciturn  in  general,  and  seldom 
spoke  unless  on  points  connected  with  his  duty,  joined  the 
conversation  by  addressing  the  surgeon. 

**  It's  a  service  of  danger,  sir,  and  you  must  be  prepared 
to  meet  the  attacks  both  of  authors  and  reviewers." 

"  Of  reviewers  I  can  imagine,"  replied  Macallan  ;  "  but 
why  of  authors  ?  " 

"  That  depends  very  much  whether  you  tread  over 
beaten  ground,  or  strike  into  a  new  path.  In  the  latter 
case  you  will  be  pretty  safe  from  both,  as  the  authors  will 
be  indifferent,  and  the  reviewers,  in  all  probability,  m- 
capable,^^ 

"  And  why,  if  I  enter  upon  a  beaten  track,  which,  I 
presume,  infers  a  style  of  writing  in  which  others  have 
preceded  me  ? " 

"  Because,  sir,  when  a  new  author  makes  his  appearance, 
he  is  much  in  the  same  situation  as  a  strange  dog  entering 
a  kennel  pre-occupied  by  many  others.  He  is  immediately 
attacked  and  worried  by  the  rest,  until,  either  by  boldly 
defending  himself,  or  pertinaciously  refusing  to  quit,  he 
eventually  obtains  a  domiciliation,  and  becomes  an  acknow- 
ledged member  of  the  fraternity." 

"  Why,  Mr  Collier,"  observed  the  captain,  "  you  seem 
to  be  quite  aufait  as  to  literary  arrangements." 

**  I  ought  to  be,  sir,"  replied  the  clerk,  "  for  in  the 
course  of  my  life,  I  have  attempted  to  become  an  author, 
and  practised  as  a  reviewer." 

"  Indeed  !  And  did  you  fail  in  your  attempt  at  author- 
ship ? " 

"  My  work  was  never  printed,  sir,  for  no  bookseller 
would  undertake  to  publish  it.  I  tried  the  whole  town  5 
no  man  would  give  himself  the  trouble  to  look  over  the 
MS.  It  was  said  that  the  public  taste  was  not  that  way, 
and  that  it  would  not  do.     At  last  I  received  a  letter  of 


202  The  King's  Own 

introduction  from  an  old  acquaintance  to  his  nncle,  who 
was  a  literary  character.  He  certainly  did  read  some  parts 
of  my  performance." 

"  And  what  then  .? " 

"Why,  sir,  he  shook  his  head — told  me  with  a  sneer 
that,  as  an  author,  I  should  never  succeed ;  but,  he  added, 
with  a  sort  of  encouraging  smile,  that,  from  some  parts  of 
the  MS.  which  he  had  perused,  he  thought  that  he  could 
find  employment  for  me  in  the  reviewing  line,  if  I  chose 
to  undertake  it. 

**  My  pride  was  hurt,  and  I  answered  that  I  could  not 
agree  with  him,  as  I  considered  that  it  required  the  ability 
to  write  a  book  yourself,  to  enable  you  to  decide  upon  the 
merits  of  others." 

"  Well,  I  must  say  that  I  agree  with  you,"  replied  the 
captain.     **  Proceed  in  your  story,  for  I  am  interested." 

"  My  friend  answered, — *  By  no  means,  my  dear  sir  -,  a 

d d  bad  author  generally   makes   a   very  gcod  revieiver. 

Indeed,  sir,  to  be  candid  with  you,  I  never  allow  any 
gentleman  to  review  for  me,  unless  he  has  met  with  a  mis- 
fortune similar  to  yours.  It  is  one  of  the  necessary 
qualifications  of  a  good  reviewer  that  he  should  have  failed 
as  an  author  ;  for  without  the  exacerbated  feelings  arising 
from  disappointment,  he  would  not  possess  gall  sufficient 
for  his  task,  and  his  conscience  would  stand  in  his  way 
when  he  was  writing  against  it,  if  he  were  not  spurred  on 
by  the  keen  probes  of  envy.'  " 

**  And  he  convinced  you  ?  " 

"  My  poverty  did,  sir,  if  he  did  not.  I  worked  many 
months  for  him  -,  but  I  had  better  have  earned  my  bread 
as  a  common  labourer." 

"  Reviews  ought  to  pay  well,  too,"  observed  Macallan  ; 
"  they  are  periodicals  in  great  demand." 

**  They  are   so,"  replied   Captain   M ;    **  and    the 

reasons  are  obvious.  Few  people  take  the  trouble  to  think 
for  themselves ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  are  very  glad  to  find 
others  who  will  think  for  them.  Some  cannot  find  time  to 
read — others  will  not  find  it.     A  review  removes  all  these 


The  King's  Own  203 

difficulties — gives  the  busy  world  an  insight  into  what  is 
going  on  in  the  literary  world — and  enables  the  lounger 
not  to  appear  wholly  ignorant  of  a  work,  the  merits  of 
which  may  happen  to  be  discussed.  But  what  is  the  con- 
sequence ?  That  seven-eighths  of  the  town  are  led  by  the 
nose  by  this  or  that  periodical  work,  having  wholly  lost 
sight  of  the  fact,  that  reviews  are  far  from  being  gospel. 
Indeed,  I  do  not  know  any  set  of  men  so  likely  to  err  as 
reviewers.  In  the  first  place,  there  is  no  class  of  people 
so  irascible,  so  full  of  party  feeling,  so  disgraced  by  envy, 
as  authors  :  hatred,  malice,  and  all  uncharitableness  seem 
to  preside  over  science.  Their  political  opinions  step  in, 
and  increase  the  undue  preponderance  ;  and,  to  crown  all, 
they  are  more  influenced  by  money,  being  proverbially 
more  in  want  of  it  than  others.  How,  then,  is  it  to  be 
expected  that  reviews  can  be  impartial  ?  I  seldom  read 
them  myself,  as  I  consider  that  it  is  better  to  know  nothing 
than  to  be  misled." 

"  And,  if  it  is  a  fair  question,  Mr  Collier,"  continued 
Captain  M ,  "  in  what  manner  were  you  employed  ?" 

"  I  am  almost  ashamed  to  tell  you,  sir — I  was  a  mere 
automaton,  a  machine,  in  the  hands  of  others.  A  new 
publication  was  sent  to  me,  with  a  private  mark  from  my 
employer,  directing  the  quantum  of  praise  or  censure  which 
it  was  to  incur.  If  the  former  were  allotted  to  it,  the  best 
passages  were  selected ;  if  condemned  to  the  latter,  all  the 
worst.  The  connecting  parts  of  review  were  made  up 
from  a  common-place  book,  in  which,  by  turning  to  any 
subject,  you  found  the  general  heads  and  extracts  from  the 
work  of  others,  which  you  were  directed  to  alter,  so  as  to 
retain  the  ideas,  but  disguise  the  style,  that  it  might  appear 
original." 

**  Are  you  aware  of  the  grounds  of  praise  or  abuse? — 
for  it  appears  that  those  who  directed  the  censure  did  not 
read  the  publications." 

"  The  grounds  were  various.  Books  printed  by  a  book- 
seller, to  whom  my  master  had  a  dislike,  were  sure  to  be 
run   down ;    on   the    contrary,    those    published    by  his 


204  The  King's  Own 

connections  or  friends  were  as  much  applauded.  Moreover, 
the  influence  of  authors,  who  were  afraid  of  a  successful 
rival  in  their  own  line,  often  d d  a  work." 

"  But  you  do  not  mean  to  say  that  all  reviews  are  con- 
ducted with  such  want  of  principle  ? " 

*'By  no  means.  There  are  many  very  impartial  and 
clever  critiques.  The  misfortune  is,  that  unless  you  read 
the  work  that  is  reviewed,  you  cannot  distinguish  one  from 
the  other." 

"  And  pray  what  induced  you  to  abandon  this  creditable 
employment  ?" 

"A  quarrel,  sir.  I  had  reviewed  a  work,  with  the 
private  mark  of  approval,  when  it  was  found  out  to  be  a 
mistake,  and  I  was  desired  to  review  it  with  censure.  I 
expected  to  be  paid  for  the  second  review  as  well  as  for 
the  first.  My  employer  thought  proper  to  consider  it  all 
as  one  job,  and  refused — so  we  parted." 

"  Pretty  tricks  in  trade,  indeed!  "  replied  Captain  M . 

"  Why,  Mr  Collier,  you  appear  to  have  belonged  to  a  gang 
of  literary  bravos,  whose  pens,  like  stilettoes,  were  always 
ready  to  stab,  in  the  dark,  the  unfortunate  individuals  who 
might  be  pointed  out  to  them  by  interest  or  revenge." 

"  I  acknowledge  the  justice  of  your  remark,  sir ;  all  that 
I  can  offer  in  my  defence  is,  the  excuse  of  the  libeller  to 
Cardinal  Richelieu — *  Ilfaut  vivre^  monsieur »  " 

"  And  I  answer  you,  with  the  cardinal — *  Je  ne  vols  pas  la 

necessite^  "  replied  Captain  M ,  with  a  smile,  as  he  rose 

to  resume  his  labours. 


Chapter  XXIX 

He  fell,  and,  deadly  pale, 
Groan'd  out  his  soul. 

Milton. 

***  Do,  mamma,  come  here,"  said  Emily,  as  she  was  looking 
out  of  the  window  of  an  inn  on  the  road,  where  they  had 
stopped  to  take  some  refreshment — **  do  come,  and  see 


The  King's  Own  205 

what  a  pretty  lady  is  in  the  chariot  which  has  stopped  at 
the  door." 

Mrs  Rainscourt  complied  with  her  daughter's  request, 
and  acknowledged  the  justice  of  the  remark  when  she  saw 
the  expressive  countenance  of  Susan  (now  Mrs  M^Elvina), 
who  was  listening  to  the  proposal  of  her  husband  that  they 
should  alight  and  partake  of  some  refreshment.  Susan 
consented,  and  was  followed  by  old  Hornblow,  who,  pull- 
ing out  his  watch  from  his  white  ca.ssimereJefnora/iaf  which 
he  had  continued  to  wear  ever  since  the  day  of  the  wedding, 
declared  that  they  must  stop  to  dine. 

**  This  country  air  makes  one  confoundedly  hungry," 
said  the  old  man  *,  "  I  declare  I  never  had  such  an  appetite 
in  Cateaton  Street.  Susan,  my  dear,  order  something  that 
won't  take  long  in  cooking — a  beef-steak,  if  they  have 
nothing  down  at  the  fire." 

Mrs  Rainscourt,  who  was  as  much  prepossessed  with 
the  appearance  of  M*Elvina  as  with  that  of  his  wife,  gave 
vent  to  her  thoughts  with  "  I  wonder  who  they  are ! " 
Her  maid,  who  was  in  the  room,  took  this  as  a  hint  to 
obtain  the  gratification  of  her  mistress's  curiosity  as  well  as 
her  own,  and  proceeded  accordingly  on  her  voyage  of  dis- 
covery. In  a  few  minutes  she  returned,  having  boarded 
the  Abigail  of  Mrs  M*  Elvina  just  as  she  was  coming  to  an 
anchor  inside  the  bar  ;  and,  having  made  an  interchange  of 
intelligence,  with  a  rapidity  incredible  to  those  who  are 
not  aware  of  the  velocity  of  communication  between  this 
description  of  people,  re-entered  the  parlour,  to  make  a 
report  to  her  commanding  officer,  precisely  at  the  same 
moment  that  Susan's  maid  was  delivering  her  cargo  of 
intelligence  to  her  own  mistress. 

"  They  are  a  new  married  couple,  ma'am,  and  their  name 
is  M'Elvina,"  said  the  one. 

"  The  lady  is  a  Mrs  Rainscourt,  and  the  young  lady  is 
her  daughter,  and  a  great  heiress,"  whispered  the 
other. 

"They  have  purchased  the  hunting  box  close  to  the 
Hall,  and  are  going  there  now,"  said  the  first. 


2o6  The  King's  Own 

**  They  live  at  the  great  park,  close  to  where  you  are 
going,  ma'am,"  said  the  second. 

"  The  old  gentleman's  name  is  Hornblow.  He  is  the 
lady's  father,  and  as  rich  as  a  Jew,  they  say,"  continued 
Mrs  Rainscourt's  maid. 

"  Mrs  Rainscourt  don't  live  with  her  husband,  ma'am  5 
by  all  accounts  he's  a  bad  'un,"  continued  the  Abigail  of 
Susan. 

The  publicity  of  the  staircase  of  an  hotel  is  very  con- 
venient for  making  an  acquaintance ;  and  it  happened  that, 
just  after  these  communications  had  been  made,  Emily  was 
ascending  the  stairs  as  Mrs  M*Elvina  was  going  down  to 
join  her  husband  and  father  at  the  dinner  table.  The 
smiling  face  and  beaming  eyes  of  Emily,  who  evidently 
lingered  to  be  spoken  to,  were  so  engaging  that  she  soon 
found  her  way  into  the  room  which  the  M*Elvinas  were 
occupying. 

Mrs  Rainscourt  was  not  sorry  to  find  that  she  was  to 
have  for  neighbours  a  couple  whose  appearance  had  so 
prepossessed  her  in  their  favour.  As  she  expected  that 
her  society  would  be  rather  confined,  she  did  not  suffer  to 
escape  the  favourable  opportunity  which  presented  itself  of 
making  their  acquaintance.  As  they  were  returning  to 
their  vehicles,  Emily  ran  to  Mrs  M^Elvina  to  wish  her 
good-bye,  and  Mrs  Rainscourt  expressed  her  thanks  for 
the  notice  they  had  taken  of  her  daughter.  A  few  minutes' 
conversation  ended  in  "hoping  to  have  the  pleasure  of 
making  their  acquaintance  as  soon  as  they  were  settled." 

The  carriages  drove  off,  and  we  shall  follow  that  of  the 
M'Elvinas,  which  arrived  at  its  destination  late  in  the 
evening,  without  any  accident. 

The  cottage-orne  (as  all  middle-sized  houses  with 
verandas  and  French  windows  are  now  designated),  which 
Hornblow  had  purchased,  was,  for  a  wonder,  quite  as 
complete  as  described  in  the  particulars  of  sale.  It  had 
the  sloping  lawn  in  front ;  the  three  acres  (more  or  less) 
of  plantation  and  pleasure  ground,  tastefully  laid  out,  and 
planted   with   thriving    young   trees ;  the   capital   walled 


The  King's  Own  207 

gardens,  stocked  with  the  choicest  fruit  trees,  In  full  bear- 
ing ;  abundant  springs  of  the  finest  water ;  stabling  for 
six  horses ;  cow-house,  cart-house,  farm-yard,  and  complete 
piggery.  The  dimensions  of  the  conservatory,  and  rooms 
in  the  interior  of  the  house  were  quite  correct ;  and  the 
land  attached  to  it  was  according  to  the  **  accompanying 
plan,"  and  divided  into  parcels,  designated  by  the  rural 
terms  of  "  Homestead,"  **  Lob's-pound,"  "  Eight-acre 
meadow,"  "Little-orchard  field,"  etc.  etc. 

In  short,  it  was  a  very  eligible  purchase,  and  a  very 
pretty  and  retired  domicile ;  and  when  our  party  arrived, 
the  flowers  seemed  to  yield  a  more  grateful  perfume,  the 
trees  appeared  more  umbrageous,  and  the  verdure  of  the 
meadows  of  a  more  refreshing  green,  from  the  contrast 
with  so  many  hours'  travelling  upon  a  dusty  road,  during 
a  sultry  day. 

"  Oh,  how  beautiful  these  roses  are  !  Do  look,  my  dear 
father." 

"  They  are  indeed,"  replied  old  Hornblow,  delighted  at 
the  happy  face  of  his  daughter ; — "  but  I  should  like  some 
tea,  Susan — I  am  not  used  to  so  much  jumbling.  I  feel 
tired,  and  shall  go  to  bed  earjy." 

Tea  was  accordingly  prepared;  soon  after  which,  the 
old  gentleman  rose  to  retire. 

"Well,"  said  he,  as  he  lighted  his  chamber  candle,  "I 
suppose  I  am  settled  here  for  life  j  but  I  hardly  know  what 
to  do  with  myself.  I  must  make  acquaintance  with  all  the 
flowers  and  all  the  trees  :  the  budding  of  the  spring  will 
make  me  think  of  grandchildren ;  the  tree,  clothed  in  its 
beauty,  of  you  ,  and  the  fall  of  the  leaf,  of  myself.  I  must 
count  the  poultry,  and  look  after  the  pigs,  and  see  the  cows 
milked.  I  was  fond  of  the  little  parlour  in  Cateaton  Street, 
because  I  had  sat  in  it  so  long ;  and  I  suppose  that  I  shall 
get  fond  of  this  place  too,  if  I  find  enough  to  employ  and 
amuse  me.  But  you  must  be  quick  and  give  me  a  grand- 
child, Susan,  and  then  I  shall  nurse  him  all  day 
long.  Good-night  —  God  bless  you,  my  dear,  good- 
night." 


2o8  The  King's  Own 

**  Good-night,  my  dear  sir,"  replied  Susan,  who  had 
coloured  deeply  at  the  request  which  he  had  made. 

"  Good-night,  M*Elvina,  my  boy ;  this  is  the  first  night 
we  pass  under  this  roof;  may  we  live  many  happy  years  in 
it ; "  and  old  Hornblow  left  the  room,  and  ascended  the 
stairs. 

M*Elvina  had  encircled  Susan's  waist  with  his  arm,  and 
was  probably  about  to  utter  some  wish  in  unison  with  that 
of  her  father's,  when  the  noise  of  a  heavy  fall  sounded  in 
their  ears. 

**  Good  Heaven ! "  cried  Susan,  "  it  is  my  father  who  has 
fallen  down  stairs." 

M*Elvina  rushed  out ;  it  was  but  too  true.  The  stair- 
carpet  had  not  yet  been  laid  down,  and  his  foot  had  slipped 
at  the  uppermost  step.  He  was  taken  up  senseless,  and 
when  medical  advice  was  procured,  his  head  and  his  spine 
were  found  to  be  seriously  injured.  In  a  few  days,  during 
which  he  never  spoke,  old  Hornblow  was  no  more. 

Thus  the  old  man,  like  the  prophet  of  old,  after  all  his 
toiling,  was  but  permitted  to  see  the  promised  land ;  and 
thus  are  our  days  cut  short  at  the  very  moment  of  realising 
our  most  sanguine  expectations. 

Reader,  let  us  look  at  home.  Shall  I,  now  thoughtlessly 
riding  upon  the  agitated  billow,  with  but  one  thin  plank 
between  me  and  death,  and  yet  so  busy  with  this  futile 
work,  be  permitted  to  bring  it  to  a  close  ?  The  hand 
which  guides  the  flowing  pen  may  to-morrow  be  stiff,  the 
head  now  teeming  with  its  subject  may  be  past  all  thought 
ere  to-morrow's  sun  is  set — ay,  sooner  !  And  you,  reader, 
who  may  so  far  have  had  the  courage  to  proceed  in  the 
volumes  without  throwing  them  away,  shall  you  be  per- 
mitted to  finish  your  more  trifling  task  ? — or,  before  its 
close,  be  hurried  from  this  transitory  scene,  where  fiction 
ends,  and  the  spirit,  re-endowed,  will  be  enabled  to  raise 
its  eyes  upon  the  lightning  beams  of  unveiled  truth  ? 


The  King's  Own  209 

Chapter   XXX 

And  if  you  chance  his  shipp  to  horde, 
This  counsel  I  must  give  withall. 

Ballad  of  Sir  Andreiv  Barton^  ''^S%'^' 
Discretion 
And  hardy  valour  are  the  twins  of  honour, 
And,  nursed  together,  make  a  conqueror ; 
Divided,  but  a  talker. 

Beaumont  and  Fletcher. 

The  survey  having  been  completed,  Captain  M ,  in 

pursuance  of  the  orders  which  he  had  received,  weighed 
his  anchor,  and  proceeded  to  cruise  until  the  want  of 
provisions  and  water  should  compel  him  to  return  into 
port.  For  many  days  the  look-out  men  at  the  mast-heads 
were  disappointed  in  their  hopes  of  reporting  a  strange 
sail,  the  chase  or  capture  of  which  would  relieve  the 
monotony  of  constant   sky  and  water,  until,  one  Sunday 

forenoon,  as  Captain  M was  performing  divine  service, 

the  man  at  the  mast-head  hailed  the  deck  with  "  A  strange 
sail  on  the  weather-bow  !  " 

The  puritan  may  be  shocked  to  hear  that  the  service 
was   speedily,   although   decorously  closed;    but  Captain 

M was   aware,    from    the   fidgetting   of    the   ship's 

company  upon  the  capstan  bars,  on  which  they  were 
seated,  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  regain  their  attention 
to  the  service,  even  if  he  had  felt  inclined  to  proceed ,  and 
he  well  knew,  that  any  worship  of  God  in  which  the  mind 
and  heart  were  not  engaged,  was  but  an  idle  ceremony, 
if  not  a  solemn  mockery.  The  hands  were  turned  up — 
all  sail  was  made — and  in  an  hour,  the  stranger  was  to 
be  seen  with  the  naked  eye  from  the  fore-yard. 

**  "What  do  you  make  of  her,  Mr  Stewart  ? "  said  the 
first  lieutenant  to  him,  as  he  sat  aloft  with  his  glass 
directed  tov/ards  the  vessel. 

**  A  merchant  ship,  sir,  in  ballast." 

**  What  did  he  say,  Jerry  ?  "  inquired  Prose,  who  stood 
by  him  on  the  gangway. 

K.      I.  O 


2IO  The  King's  Own 

"  A  French  vessel,  deeply  laden,  Prose." 

"Bravo,  Jerry  !  "  said  Prose,  rubbing  his  hands.  "We 
shall  get  some  prize-money,  I  do  declare." 

"  To  be  sure  we  shall.  It  will  give  us  twenty  pounds 
at  least  for  a  midshipman's  share,  for  her  cargo  must  be 
sugar  and  coffee.  Only,  confound  it,  one  has  to  wait  so 
long  for  it.  I'll  sell  mine,  dog-cheap,  if  anyone  will  buy 
it.     Will  you.  Prose?" 

"  Why,  Jerry,  I  don't  much  like  speculation  ;  but,  now, 
what  would  you  really  sell  your  chance  for  ? " 

"  I'll  take  ten  pounds  for  it.  We're  certain  to  come  up 
with  her." 

"  Ten  pounds  !  No,  Jerry,  that  is  too  much.  I'll  tell 
you  what,  I'll  give  you  five  pounds." 

"Done,"  replied  Jerry,  who  was  aware  that  a  vessel  in 
ballast  would   not   give  him    thirty  shillings,  if  Captain 

M sent  her  in,  which  was  very  unlikely.     "  Where's 

the  money  ? " 

"  Oh,  you  must  trust  to  my  honour ;  the  first  port  we 
go  into,  I  pledge  you  my  word  that  you  shall  have  it." 

"  I  don't  doubt  your  word,  or  your  honour,  the  least. 
Prose  ;  but  still  I  should  like  to  have  the  money  in  my 
hand.  Could  you  not  borrow  it  ?  Never  mind — it's  a 
bargain." 

In  two  hours  the  frigate  had  neared  the  stranger  so  as 
to  distinguish  her  water-line  from  the  deck,  and,  on 
hoisting  her  ensign  and  pendant,  the  vessel  bore  down 
to  her. 

"  She  has  hoisted  English  colours,  sir,"  reported  Stewart 
to  the  captain. 

"What,  Stewart!  did  you  say  that  she  had  hoisted 
English  colours  ?  "  inquired  Prose,  with  an  anxious  face. 

"  Yes,  you  booby,  I  did." 

"Well,  now,  I  do  declare,"  cried  Prose,  with  dismay, 
"  If  I  haven't  lost  five  pounds." 

The  vessel  ran  under  the  stern  of  the  frigate,  and 
requested  a  boat  to  be  sent  on  board,  as  she  had  intelligence 
to    communicate.      The    boat    returned,   and    acquainted 


The  King's  Own  211 

Captain  M that    the   vessel  had   been   boarded   and 

plundered  by  a  French  privateer  schooner,  which  had 
committed  great  depredation  in  that  quarter,  and  that 
it  was  not  above  eight  hours  that  she  had  left  her,  and 
made  sail  towards  Porto  Rico,  taking  out  two  merchants, 
who  were  passengers. 

The  boat  was  immediately  hoisted  up,  and  all  sail  made, 
in  the  direction  of  the  island,  which  was  not  above  fifteen 
leagues  distant.  As  the  day  closed  in,  their  eyes  were 
gratified  by  the  sight  of  the  schooner,  becalmed  close  in 
under  the  land.  Perceiving  the  frigate  in  pursuit  of  her, 
and  unable  to  escape,  she  came  to  an  anchor  in  a  small 
and  shallow  bay,  within  a  cable's  length  of  the  beach. 

Captain  M ,  having  run  his  ship  as   close   in  as   the 

depth  of  water  would  permit,  which  was  between  two 
or  three  miles  of  her,  so  as  to  render  her  escape  im- 
possible, came  to  an  anchor,  signifying  to  his  officers  his 
determination  to  cut  her  out  with  his  boats  on  the  ensuing 
day. 

The  officers  who  were  to  be  entrusted  with  the  command 
of  the  boats,  and  the  crews  which  were  to  be  employed 
on  the  service,  were  selected,  and  mustered  on  the  quarter- 
deck, previous  to  the  hammocks  being  piped  down,  that 
the  former  might  hold  themselves  in  readiness,  and  that 
the  latter  might  remain  in  their  hammocks  during  the 
night.  All  was  anxiety  for  the  sun  to  rise  again  upon 
those  who  were  about  to  venture  in  the  lottery,  where  the 
prizes  would  be  honour,  and  the  blanks — death. 

There  were  but  few  whose  souls  were  of  that  decided 
brute  composition  that  they  could  sleep  through  the  whole 
of  the  tedious  night.  They  woke  and  "  swore  a  prayer 
or  two,  then  slept  again."  The  sun  had  not  yet  made  his 
appearance  above  the  horizon,  although  the  eastern  blush 
announced  that  the  spinning  earth  would  shortly  whirl  the 
Aspasia  into  his  presence,  when  the  pipes  of  the  boatswain 
and  his  mates,  with  the  summons  of  "  All  hands  ahoy — up 
all  hammocks  !  "  were  obeyed  with  the  alacrity  so 
characteristic    of    English    seamen,    anticipating    danger. 


212  The  King's  Own 

The  hammocks  were  soon  stowed,  and  the  hands  turned 
up.  "  Out  boats  !  "  The  yard  tackles  and  stays  were 
hooked,  and  the  larger  boats  from  the  booms  descended 
with  a  heavy  splash  into  the  water,  which  they  threw  out 
on  each  side  of  them  as  they  displaced  it  with  their  weight ; 
while  the  cutters  from  the  quarter-davits  were  already 
lowered  down,  and  were  being  manned  under  the  chains. 

Broad  daylight  discovered  the  privateer,  who,  aware  of 
their  intentions,  had  employed  the  night  in  taking  every 
precaution  that  skill  could  suggest  to  repel  the  expected 
attack.  Secured  with  cables  and  hawsers,  extending  from 
each  bow  and  quarter — her  starboard  broadside  directed 
to  seaward — her  boarding  netting  triced  up  to  the  lower 
rigging — and  booms,  connected  together,  rigged  out  from 
the  sides,  to  prevent  them  from  laying  her  on  board. 
There  was  no  wind  ;  the  sea  was  smooth  as  glass  ;  and  the 
French  colours,  hoisted  in  defiance  at  each  mast-head, 
hung  listlessly  down  the  spars,  as  if  fainting  for  the  beeeze 
which  would  expand  them  in  their  vigour.  She  was 
pierced  for  eight  ports  on  a  side  ;  and  the  guns,  which 
pointed  through  them,  with  the  tompions  out,  ready 
to  shower  destruction  upon  her  assailants,  showed  like  the 
teeth  of  the  snarling  wolf,  who  stands  at  bay,  awaiting  the 
attack  of  his  undaunted  pursuers. 

The  boats  had  received  their  guns,  which  were  fixed  on 
slides,  so  as  to  enable  them  to  be  fired  over  the  bows, 
without  impeding  the  use  of  the  oars ;  the  ammunition 
and  arm-chests  had  been  placed  in  security  abaft. 

The  sailors,  with  their  cutlasses  belted  round  their 
waists,  and  a  pistol  stuck  in  their  girdles,  or  in  a  becket 
at  the  side  of  the  boat,  ready  to  their  hands — the  marines, 
in  proportion  to  the  number  which  each  boat  could  carry, 
sitting  in  the  stern-sheets,  with  their  muskets  between 
their  legs,  and  their  well  pipeclayed  belts  for  bayonet  and 
cartouch  box  crossed  over  their  old  jackets,  half  dirt, 
half  finery — all  was  ready  for  shoving  off,  when  Captain 

M desired  the  officers  whom  he  had  appointed  to  the 

expedition  to  step  down  into  his  cabin.     Bully,  the  first 


The  King's  Own  213 

lieutenant,  was  unwell,   with  an  intermittent  fever,  and 

Captain  M ,  at  the   request  of  Macallan,  would  not 

accede  to  his  anxiety  to  take  the  command.  Price, 
Courtenay,  Stewart,  and  three  other  midshipmen,  were 
those  who  had  been  selected  for  the  dangerous  service. 

*'  Gentlemen,"  said  Captain  M ,  as  they  stood  round 

the  table  in  the  fore  cabin,  waiting  for  his  communication, 
**  I  must  call  your  attention  to  a  few  points,  which  it  is  my 
wish  that  you  should  bear  in  remembrance,  now  that  you 
are  about  to  proceed  upon  what  will,  in  all  likelihood, 
prove  to  be  an  arduous  service.  This  vessel  has  already 
done  so  much  mischief,  that  I  conceive  it  my  duty  to 
capture  her  if  possible  :  and  although  there  is  no  service  in 
which,  generally  speaking,  there  is  so  great  a  sacrifice  of 
life,  in  proportion  to  the  object  to  be  obtained,  as  that 
which  is  generally  termed  *  cutting  out,'  yet,  rather  than 
she  should  escape,  to  the  further  injury  of  our  trade, 
I  have  determined  to  have  recourse  to  the  measure. 

"  But,  gentlemen  (and  to  you,  Mr  Price,  as  commanding 
the  expedition,  I  particularly  address  myself),  recollect 
that,  even  in  this  extreme  case,  without  proper  arrange- 
ment, we  may  not  only  purchase  our  victory  too  dear,  but 
may  even  sacrifice  a  number  of  lives  without  succeeding 
in  our  attempt.  Of  your  courage  I  have  not  the  least 
doubt ;  but  let  it  be  remembered,  that  it  is  something 
more  than  mere  animal  courage  which  1  expect  in  the 
behaviour  of  my  officers.  If  nothing  more  were  required, 
the  command  of  these  boats  might  be  as  safely  entrusted 
to  any  of  the  foremast  men,  who,  like  the  bulldogs  of  our 
country,  will  thrust  their  heads  into  the  lion's  jaw  with 
perfect  indifference. 

"  What  I  require,  and  expect,  and  will  have,  from  every 
officer  who  looks  for  promotion  from  my  recommendation, 
is  what  I  term — conduct :  by  which  I  would  imply,  that 
coolness  and  presence  of  mind  which  enable  him  to 
calculate  chances  in  the  midst  of  danger — to  take  advantage 
of  a  favourable  opportunity  in  the  heat  of  an  engagement 
—and  to  restrain  the  impetuosity  of  those  who  have  fallen 


214  The  King's  Own 

into  the  dangerous  error  of  despising  their  enemy.  Of 
such  conduct  the  most  favourable  construction  that  can  be 
put  upon  it  is,  that  it  is  only  preferable  to  indecision. 

**  In  a  service  of  this  description,  even  with  the  greatest 
courage  and  prudence  united,  some  loss  must  necessarily 
be  expected  to  take  place,  and  there  is  no  providing 
against  unforeseen  accidents  ;  but  if  I  find  that,  by  rash 
and  injudicious  behaviour,  a  greater  sacrifice  is  made  than 
there  is  a  necessity  for,  depend  upon  it  that  I  shall  not 
fail  to  let  that  officer  know  the  high  value  at  which  I 
estimate  the  life  of  a  British  sailor.  With  this  caution 
I  shall  now  give  you  my  ideas  as  to  what  appears  the 
most  eligible  plan  of  insuring  success.  I  have  made  a 
rough  sketch  on  this  paper,  which  will  assist  my  ex- 
planation." 

Captain  M then  entered  into  the  plan  of  attack, 

pointing  out  the  precautions  which  should  be  taken,  etc. ; 
and  concluded  by  observing,  that  they  were  by  no  means 
to  consider  themselves  as  fettered  by  what  he  had  proposed, 
but  merely  to  regard  them  as  hints  to  guide  their  conduct, 
if  found  preferable  to  any  others  which  might  be  sug- 
gested by  the  peculiarity  of  the  service,  and  the  measures 
adopted  by  the  enemy.  The  officers  returned  on  deck, 
and  descended  into  their  respective  boats,  where  they 
found  many  of  the  younger  midshipmen,  who,  although 
not  selected  for  the  service,  had  smuggled  themselves 
into  the  boats,   that  they  might  be  participators   in    the 

conflict.     Captain  M ,  although  he  did  not  send  them 

on  the  service,  had  no  objection  to  their  going,  and 
therefore  pretended  not  to  see  them  when  he  looked  over 
the  side,  and  desired  the  boats  to  shove  off.  Directly 
the  order  was  given,  the  remainder  of  the  ship's  company 
mounted  the  rigging,  and  saluted  them  with  three  cheers. 

The  boats'  crews  tossed  their  oars  while  the  cheers 
were  given,  and  returned  the  same  number.  The  oars 
again  descended  into  the  water,  and  the  armament  pulled 
in  for  the  shore. 


The  King's  Own  215 


Chapter  XXXI 

Conquest  pursues,  where  courage  leads  the  way. 

Garth. 

The  glasses  of  Captain  M ,  and  of  the  officers  who 

remained  on  board  of  the  frigate,  were  anxiously  pointed 
towards  the  boats,  which  in  less  than  half  an  hour  had 
arrived  within  gun-shot  of  the  privateer.  "  There  is  a 
gun  from  her,"  cried  several  of  the  men  at  the  same 
moment,  as  the  smoke  boomed  along  the  smooth  water. 

The  shot  dashed  up  the  spray  under  the  bows  of  the 
boats,  and  ricochetting  over  them,  disappeared  in  the  wave, 
about  half  a  mile  astern. 

The  boats,  which,  previously,  had  been  pulHng  in  all 
together,  and  without  any  particular  order,  now  separated, 
and  formed  a  line  abreast,  so  that  there  was  less  chance 
of  the  shot  taking  effect,  than  where  they  were  before, 
en  masse. 

**  Very  good,  Mr  Price,"  observed  the  captain,  who 
had  his  eye  fixed  on  them,  through  his  glass. 

The  boats  continued  their  advance  towards  the  enemy, 
who  fired  her  two  long  guns,  both  of  which  she  had 
brought  over  to  her  starboard  side,  but,  though  well 
directed,  the  shot  did  not  strike  any  of  her  assailants. 

"  There's  grape,  sir,"  said  the  master,  as  the  sea  was 
torn  and  ploughed  up  with  it  close  to  the  launch,  which, 
with  the  other  boats,  was  now  within  a  hundred  yards 
of  the  privateer. 

"  The  launch  returns  her  fire,"  observed  Captain 
M . 

"  And  there's  blaze  away  from  the  pinnace  and  the 
barge,"  cried  one  of  the  men,  who  stood  on  the  rattlings 
of  the  main  rigging.  "  Hurrah,  my  lads !  keep  it  up," 
continued  the  man,  in  his  feeling  of  excitement,  which, 
pervading  Captain  M ,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  the  crew. 


2i6  The  King's  Own 

received  no  check,  though  not  exactly  in  accordance  with 
the  strict  routine  of  the  service. 

The  combat  now  became  warm ;  gun  after  gun  from 
the  privateer  was  rapidly  fired  at  the  boats,  who  were 
taking  their  stations,  previous  to  a  simultaneous  rush  to 
board. 

The  pinnace  had  pulled  away  towards  the  bow  of  the 
privateer;  the  barge  had  taken  up  a  position  on  the 
quarter;  the  launch  remained  on  her  beam,  firing  round 
and  grape  from  her  eighteen-pounder  carronade,  with  a 
rapidity  that  almost  enabled  her  to  return  gun  for  gun 
to  her  superiorly-armed  antagonist. 

Both  the  cutters  were  under  her  stern,  keeping  up  an 
incessant  fire  of  musketry,  with  which  they  were  now 
close  enough  to  annoy  the  enemy. 

"  A  gun  from  the  rock  close  to  the  barge,  sir  !  "  reported 
the  signal  man. 

"  I  expected  as  much,"  observed  Captain  M to  the 

officers  standing  near  him. 

"  One  of  the  cutters  has  winded,  sir  ;  she's  stretching 
out  for  the  shore,"  cried  the  master. 

"  Bravo  ! — that's  decided — and  without  waiting  for 
orders.  Who  commands  that  boat  ?  "  inquired  Captain 
M . 

"  It's  the  first  cutter — Mr  Bruce,  sir." 

The  cutter  was  on  shore  before  the  gun  could  be 
reloaded,  and  fired  a  second  time.  The  crew,  with  the 
officer  at  their  head,  were  seen  to  clamber  up  the  rock  ! 
In  a  minute  they  returned,  and  jumping  into  the  boat, 
pulled  off  to  give  their  aid  to  the  capture  of  the  vessel. 

"  He  has  spiked  the  gun,  I  am  certain,"  observed  Captain 
M 

Before  the  cutter  could  regain  her  station,  the  other 
boats  were  summoned  by  the  bugle  in  the  launch,  and, 
with,  loud  cheering,  pulled  up  together  to  the  attack.  The 
booms,  which  had  been  rigged  out  to  prevent  them  from 
coming  alongside,  already  shot  through  by  the  grape  from 
the  launch,  offered  but  little  resistance  to  the  impetus  with 


The  King's  Own  217 

which  the  boats  were  forced  against  them ;  they  either 
broke  in  two,  or  sank  under  water. 

**  There's  hoard  \ — Hurrah!"  cried  all  the  men  who 
remained  in  the  Aspasia,  cheering  those  who  heard  them 
not. 

But  I  must  transport  the  reader  to  the  scene  of  slaughter ; 
for  if  he  remains  on  board  of  the  Aspasia,  he  will  distinguish 
nothing  but  fire  and  smoke.  Don't  be  afraid,  ladies,  if  I 
take  you  on  board  of  the  schooner — "  these  our  actors  are 
all  air,  thin  air,"  raised  by  the  magic  pen  for  your  amuse- 
ment. Come,  then,  fearlessly,  with  me,  and  view  the  scene 
of  mortal  strife  !  The  launch  has  boarded  on  the  starboard 
gangway,  and  it  is  against  her  that  the  crew  of  the  privateer 
have  directed  their  main  efforts. 

The  boarding  nettings  cannot  be  divided,  and  the  men 
are  thrown  back  wounded  or  dead,  into  the  boat.  The 
crew  of  the  pinnace  are  attempting  the  bows  with  in- 
different success.  Some  have  already  fallen  a  sacrifice  to 
their  valour — none  have  yet  succeeded  in  gaining  a 
footing  on  the  deck,  while  the  marines  are  resisting,  with 
their  bayonets,  the  thrusts  of  the  boarding  pikes  which  are 
protruded  through  the  ports.  Courtenay  has  not  yet 
boarded  in  the  barge,  for,  on  pulling  up  on  the  quarter,  he 
perceived  that,  on  the  larboard  side  of  the  vessel,  the 
boarding  nettings  had  either  been  neglected  to  be  properly 
triced  up,  or  had  been  cut  away  by  the  fire  from  the 
boats.  He  has  pushed  alongside,  to  take  advantage  of  the 
opening,  and  the  two  cutters  have  followed  him.  They 
board  with  little  resistance — the  enemy  are  too  busy  re- 
pelling the  attacks  on  the  other  side — and  as  his  men  pour 
upon  the  privateer's  deck,  the  crews  of  the  launch  and 
pinnace,  tired  with  their  vain  endeavours  to  divide  the 
nettings,  and  rendered  desperate  by  their  loss,  have  run  up 
the  fore  and  main  rigging  above  the  nettings,  and  thrown 
themselves  down,  cutlass  in  hand,  into  the  melee  below, 
careless  of  the  points  of  the  weapons  which  may  meet  them 
in  their  descent.     Now  is  the  struggle  for  life  or  death. 

Courtenay,  who  was  daring  as  man  could  be,  but  not 


2i8  The  King's  Own 

of  a  very  athletic  frame,  re-climbed  from  the  main  chains  of 
the  vessel,  into  which  he  had  already  once  fallen,  from  one 
of  his  own  seamen  having  inadvertently  made  use  of  his 
shoulder  as  a  step  to  assist  his  own  ascent.  He  was  over- 
taken by  Robinson,  the  coxswain  of  the  cutter,  who  sprang 
up  with  all  the  ardour  and  activity  of  an  English  sailor  who 
"  meant  mischief,"  and,  pleased  with  the  energy  of  his 
officer  (forgetting,  at  the  moment,  the  respect  due  to  his 
rank),  called  out  to  him,  by  the  sobriquet  with  which  he  had 
been  christened  by  the  men, — "  Brave,  Little  Bilious  I  that's 
your  sort  !  " 

"  What's  that,  sir  ?  "  cried  Courtenay,  making  a  spring, 
so  as  to  stand  on  the  plane  sheer  of  the  vessel  at  the  same 
moment  with  the  coxswain,  and  seizing  him  by  the  collar, 
— "I  say,  Robinson,  what  do  you  mean  by  calling  me 
*  Little  Bilious  '  ?  "  continued  the  lieutenant,  wholly  regard- 
less of  the  situation  they  were  placed  in.  The  coxswain 
looked  at  him  with  surprise,  and  at  the  same  moment  parried 
off  with  his  cutlass  a  thrust  of  a  pike  at  Courtenay,  which, 
in  all  probability,  would  otherwise  have  prevented  his 
asking  any  more  questions  ;  then,  without  making  any 
answer,  sprang  down  into  the  midst  of  the  affray. 

"  You,  Robinson,  come  back,"  cried  Courtenay,  after 
him — "  D — d  annoying — Little  Bilious,  indeed  !  "  continued 
he,  as,  following  the  example  of  the  coxswain,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  vent  his  bile,  for  the  present,  on  the  heads  of 
the  Frenchmen. 

In  most  instances  of  boarding,  but  more  especially  in 
boarding  small  vessels,  there  is  not  much  opportunity  for 
what  is  termed  hand  to  hand  fighting.  It  is  a  rush  for 
the  deck  ;  breast  to  breast,  thigh  to  thigh,  foot  to  foot, 
man  wedged  against  man,  so  pressed  on  by  those  behind, 
that  there  is  little  possibility  of  using  your  cutlass,  except 
by  driving  your  antagonist's  teeth  down  his  throat  with  the 
hilt.  Gun-shot  wounds,  of  course,  take  place  throughout 
the  whole  of  the  combat,  but  those  from  the  sabre  and  the 
cutlass  are  generally  given  and  received  before  the  close, 
or  after  the  resistance  of  one  party  has  yielded  to  the  pertina- 


The  King's  Own  219 

city  and  courage  of  the  other.  The  crews  of  the  barge  and 
cutters  having  gained  possession  of  the  deck  in  the  rear  of 
the  enemy,  the  affair  was  decided  much  sooner  than  it  other- 
wise would  have  been,  for  the  French  fought  with 
desperation,  and  were  commanded  by  a  most  gallant  and 
enterprising  captain.  In  three  minutes,  the  crew  of  the 
privateer  were  either  beaten  below,  or  forced  overboard, 
and    the   colours    hauled    down    from    the    mast-heads, 

announced  to  Captain  M and  the  rest  of  the  Aspasic^s 

crew  the  welcome  intelligence  that  the  privateer  was  in  the 
possession  of  their  gallant  shipmates. 

The  hatches  were  secured,  and  the  panting  Englishmen, 
for  a  few  minutes,  desisted  from  their  exertions,  that  they 
might  recover  their  breath ;  after  which  Price  gave  direc- 
tions for  the  cables  and  hawsers  to  be  cut,  and  the  boats 
to  go  a-head,  and  tow  the  vessel  out. 

"  They  are  firing  musketry  from  the  shore  j  they've 
just  hit  one  of  our  men,"  said  the  coxswain  of  the  pinnace. 

"  Then  cast  off,  and  bring  your  gun  to  bear  astern.  If 
you  do  not  hit  them,  at  least  they  will  not  be  so  steady  in 
their  aim.  As  soon  as  we  are  out  of  musket-shot,  pull  out 
to  us." 

The  order  was  executed,  whilst  the  other  boats  towed 
the  privateer  towards  the  frigate.  In  a  few  minutes  they 
were  out  of  musket-shot ;  the  pinnace  returned,  and  they 
had  leisure  to  examine  into  the  loss  which  they  had 
sustained  in  the  conflict.  The  launch  had  suffered  most  5 
nine  of  her  crew  were  either  killed  or  wounded.  Three 
seamen  and  four  marines  had  suffered  in  the  other  boats. 
Twenty-seven  of  the  privateer's  men  were  stretched  on  the 
decks,  either  dead  or  unable  to  rise.  Those  who  had  not 
been  severely  hurt  had  escaped  below  with  the  rest  of  the 
crew. 

Price  was  standing  at  the  wheel,  his  sabre  not  yet 
sheathed,  with  Courtenay  at  his  side,  when  his  inveterate 
habit  returned,  and  he  commenced — 

"  *  I  do  remember,  when  the  fight  was  done,' " 

"  So  do  I,  and  devilish  glad  that  it's  over,"  cried  Jerry, 


220  The  King's  Own 

coming  forward  from  the  tafFrail  with  a  cutlass  in  hand, 
which,  although  he  could  wield,  he  could  certainly  not 
have  done  much  execution  with. 

"Why,  how  came  you  here,  Mr  Jerry?"  inquired 
Courtenay. 

"  Oh  !  Stewart  brought  me  in  his  boat,  with  the  hopes 
of  getting  rid  of  me  ;  but  I  shall  live  to  plague  him  yet." 

"  You  are  not  hurt,  Seymour,  I  hope  ?  "  said  Price  to  our 
hero,  who  now  joined  the  party,  and  whose  clothes  were 
stained  with  blood. 

"  No,"  replied  Seymour,  smiling.  "  It's  not  my  blood — 
it's  Stewart's.  I  have  been  binding  up  his  head ;  he  has 
a  very  deep  cut  on  the  forehead,  and  a  musket  ball  in  his 
neck;  but  I  think  neither  of  the  wounds  is  of  much 
consequence." 

"Where  is  he?" 

"  In  the  cutter.  I  desired  them  to  put  the  wounded 
man  in  her,  out  of  the  launch,  and  to  pull  on  board  at  once. 
Was  not  I  right  ?  " 

"  Yes,  most  assuredly.  I  should  have  thought  of  it 
myself." 

"  Well,  Jerry,"  said  Seymour,  laughing,  **  how  many 
did  you " 

"  I  did  not  count  them  ;  but  if  you  meet  with  any  chaps 
with  deeper  wounds  than  usual,  put  them  down  to  me.  Do 
you  know,  Mr  Price,  you  are  more  indebted  to  me  than 
you  may  imagine  for  the  success  of  this  affair  ? " 

"  How,  Mr  Jerry  ?  I  should  hke  to  know,  that  I  may 
prove  my  gratitude  ;  *  eleven  out  of  the  thirteen '  you  paid, 
I've  no  doubt." 

"It  was  not  altogether  that — I  frightened  them  more 
than  I  hurt  them :  for  when  they  would  have  returned  the 
blows  from  this  stalwart  arm,"  said  Jerry,  holding  out  the 
member  in  question,  which  was  about  the  thickness  of  a 
large  carrot,  "  I  immediately  turned  edgeways  to  them,  and 
was  invisible.  They  thought  that  they  had  to  deal  with 
either  a  ghost  or  a  magician,  and,  depend  upon  it,  it 
unnerved  them " 


The  King's  Own  221 

"  *  Approach  thou  like/ — what  is  it  ? "  resumed  Price, 
"  something — *  Hence,  horrible  shadow,  unreal  mockery, 
hence  ! ' " 

"Pretty  names  to  be  called  in  reward  of  my  services," 
cried  Jerry.  "I  presume  this  is  a  specimen  of  the  gratitude 
you  were  talking  about.  Well,  after  all,  to  take  a  leaf  out 
of  your  book,  Mr  Price,  I  consider  that  the  better  part  of 
valour  is  discretion.  Now,  that  fellow,  Stewart,  he 
actually  gave  them  his  head  to  play  with,  and  I  am  not 
sorry  that  he  has  had  it  broken — for  I  calculate  that  I  shall 
be  saved  at  least  a  dozen  thrashings  by  some  of  his  hot 
blood  being  let  out — '  the  King's  poor  cousin  !  ' " 

"  By-the-bye,  I  quite  forgot — where's  Robinson,  the 
coxswain  of  the  cutter  ?  "  demanded  Courtenay. 

**  Between  the  guns  forward  —  seriously  hurt,  poor 
fellow,  I  am  afraid,"  answered  Seymour. 

"  I'm  very  sorry  for  that — I'll  go  and  see  him — I  wish  to 
speak  with  him,"  replied  Courtenay,  walking  forward. 

Robinson  was  lying  near  the  long  brass  gun,  which  was 
pointed  out  of  the  foremost  port,  his  head  pillowed  upon 
the  body  of  the  French  captain,  who  had  fallen  by  his  hand, 
just  before  he  had  received  his  mortal  wound.  A  musket 
ball  had  entered  his  groin,  and  divided  the  iliac  artery  j  he 
was  bleeding  to  death — nothing  could  save  him.  The  cold 
perspiration  on  his  forehead,  and  the  glassy  appearance  of 
his  eye,  too  plainly  indicated  that  he  had  but  a  few  minutes 
to  live.  Courtenay,  shocked  at  the  condition  of  the  poor 
fellow,  who  was  not  only  the  most  humorous,  but  one  of 
the  ablest  seamen  in  the  ship,  knelt  down  on  one  knee 
beside  him,  and  took  his  hand — 

*'  How  do  you  feel,  Robinson  ?  are  you  in  much  pain  ?  " 

"  None  at  all,  sir,  thank  ye,"  replied  the  man  faintly  ; 
**  but  the  purser  may  chalk  me  down  dd.  as  soon  as  he 
pleases.  I  suppose  he'll  cheat  government  out  of  our  day's 
grub  though,"  continued  the  man  with  a  smile. 

Courtenay,  aware  of  the  truth  of  the  first  observation, 
thought  it  no  kindness  to  attempt  to  deceive  a  dying  man 
with  hopes  of  recovery  in  his  last  moments  5  he  therefore 


222  The  King's  Own 

continued — **  Can  I  be  of  any  service  to  you,  Robinson  ? 
Is  there  anything  I  can  do  when  you  are  gone  ? " 

"  Nothing  at  all,  sir.  I've  neither  chick  nor  child,  nor 
relation,  that  I  know  of.  Yes,  there  is  one  thing,  sir,  but 
it's  on  the  bloody  side ;  the  key  of  the  mess  chest  is  in  my 
trousers'  pocket — I  wish  you'd  recollect  to  have  it  taken 
out  and  given  to  John  Williams ;  you  must  wait  till  I'm 
dead,  for  I  can't  turn  myself  just  now." 

*'It  shall  be  attended  to,"  replied  Courtenay. 

"  And,  Mr  Courtenay,  remember  me  to  the  captain." 

"  Is  there  anything  else  ?  "  continued  Courtenay,  who 
perceived  that  the  man  was  sinking  rapidly. 

"  Nothing — nothing,  sir,"  replied  Robinson,  very  faintly. 
"  Good-bye,  God  bless  you,  sir,  I'm  going  fast  now." 

"  But,  Robinson,"  said  Courtenay,  in  a  low  soothing 
voice,  bending  nearer  to  him,  "  tell  me,  my  good  fellow — I 
am  not  the  least  angry — tell  me,  why  did  you  call  me 
Little  Bilious  V 

The  man  turned  his  eyes  up  to  him,  and  a  smile  played 
upon  his  features,  as  if  he  was  pleased  with  the  idea  of 
disappointing  the  curiosity  of  his  officer.  He  made  no 
answer — his  head  fell  back,  and  in  a  few  seconds  he  had 
breathed  his  last. 

**Poor  fellow-^ — he  is  gone!"  said  Courtenay,  with  a 
deep  sigh,  as  he  rose  up  from  the  body — **  Never  answered 
my  question  too — Well,"  continued  he,  as  he  walked  slowly 
aft,  *'  now  that's  what  I  consider  to  be  most  excessively 
annoying." 

By  this  time,  the  privateer  had  been  towed  under  the 
stern  of  the  frigate,  and  a  hawser  was  sent  on  board  to 
secure  her  astern.     Price  and  the  other  officers  returned  on 

board,  where  they  were  well  received  by  Captain  M , 

who  thanked  them  for  their  exertions.  The  wounded  had 
been  some  time  under  the  hands  of  Macallan,  and  fresh 
crews  having  been  ordered  into  the  boats,  they  returned 
to  the  privateer.  The  hatches  were  taken  off,  and  the 
prisoners  removed  to  the  frigate. 

The  name  of  the  prize  was  the  Estelle,  of  two  hundred 


The  King's  Own  223 

tons  burthen,  mounting  fourteen  guns,  and  having  on 
board,  at  the  commencement  of  the  attack,  her  full  comple- 
ment of  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  men. 


Chapter  XXXH 

Many  with  trust,  with  doubt  few  are  undone. 

Lord  Brook. 
Doubt  wisely  :  in  strange  way 
To  stand  inquiring  right,  is  not  to  stray  ; 
To  run  wrong,  is, 

Donne. 

When  the  hatches  were  taken  off  on  board  of  the 
privateer,  the  prisoners,  as  they  came  up,  were  handed 
into  the  boats.  Jerry  stood  at  the  hatchway,  with  his  cut- 
lass in  his  hand,  making  his  sarcastic  remarks  upon  them  as 
they  appeared.  A  short  interval  had  elapsed,  after  it  was 
supposed  that  everybody  had  come  from  below,  when  a 
tall,  thin  personage,  in  the  dress  of  a  landsman,  crawled  up 
the  hatchway. 

"  Halloo  !  "  cried  Jerry  ;  "  Mr  Longtogs,  who  have  we 
here  ?  Why  he  must  be  the  padre.  I  say,  mounseer,  je 
very  much  suspecte,  que  vous  etes  what  they  call  a  Father 
Confessor,  n'est-ce  pas  ?  Devilish  good  idea.  A  privateer 
with  a  parson  !  What's  your  pay,  mounseer  ^ — a  tenth,  of 
course.     Little  enough  too  for  looking  after  the  souls  of 

such  a  set  of  d d  rascals.     Well,  mounseer,  vous  etes 

prisonnier,  without  benefit  of  clergy ;  so  hop  into  that 
boat.  Why,  confound  it,  here's  another ! "  continued 
Jerry,  as  a  second  made  his  appearance.  "  He's  the  clerk, 
of  course,  as  he  follows  the  parson.  Come,  Mont'Arrivo 
Jack  !  What  a  cock-eye  the  rascal  has  !  " 

During  this  elegant  harangue,  which  was  certainly  meant 
for  his  own  amusement  more  than  for  their  edification, 
as  Jerry  had  no  idea  but  that  they  were  belonging  to  the 
privateer,  and  of  course  could  not  comprehend  him,  both 
the  parties  looked  at  him,  and  at  each  other,  with  astonish- 


224  The  King's  Own 

ment,  until  the  first  who  had  appeared  addressed  the  latter 
with,  "  I  say,  Paul,  did  you  ever  see  such  a  thing  before  ? 
D — n  it,  why  he's  like  a  sixpenny  fife, — more  noise  than 
substance." 

Jerry  at  once  perceived  his  mistake,  and  recollected,  that 
the  master  of  the  vessel  which  they  had  boarded  had 
mentioned  that  two  English  merchants  had  been  taken  out 
of  her  by  the  privateer,  with  the  hopes  of  ransom ;  but, 
nettled  with  the  remark  which  had  been  made,  he  retorted 
with — 

"  Well,  I'd  recommend  you  not  to  attempt  to  play  upon 
me,  that's  all." 

**  No,  I  don't  mean,  for  I  should  only  make  you  squeak." 

**  You  are  the  two  gentlemen  who  were  detained  by  the 
privateer,  I  presume,"  said  Pearce,  the  master,  who  had 
come  on  board  to  superintend  the  necessary  arrangements 
previous  to  her  being  sent  in. 

"  We  are,  sir,  and  must  introduce  ourselves.  My  name 
is  Mr  Peter  Capon — that  of  my  friend,  designated  by  that 
young  gentleman  as  Cock-eye,  is  Mr  Paul  Contract.  Will 
you  oblige  us  with  a  boat  to  go  on  board  of  the  frigate, 
that  we  may  speak  to  the  captain  ?  " 

**  Most  certainly.  Jump  into  the  first  cutter  there.  I 
am  sorry  you  have  been  so  unpleasantly  situated,  gentlemen. 
Why  did  not  you  come  on  deck  before  ? " 

Peter  did  not  state  the  real  ground,  which  was  to  secure 
their  property,  which  was  below,  from  being  plundered  by 
the  privateer's  crew ;  but,  wishing  to  pay  off  Jerry  for  his 
impertinence,  replied — 

"  Why,  we  did  look  up  the  hatchway  several  times,  but 
there  was  something  so  awful,  and,  I  may  say,  so  un- 
English-like,  in  the  appearance  of  that  officer  with  his 
drawn  sword,  that  we  were  afraid  ;  we  could  not  imagine 
into  whose  hands  the  vessel  had  fallen — we  thought  it  had 
been  captured  by  the  Yahoos." 

"  Houyhnhnms,  more  likely.  You'll  find  I'm  a  bit  of  a 
horse,"  replied  Jerry  in  a  passion. 

"  By  Jove,  then,  you're  only  fit  for  the  hounds,"  observed 


The  King's  Own  225 

the  gentleman  with  oblique  vision ;  **  I  should  order 
you " 

"Would  you?  Well  now  Fll  order  you,  sir,"  replied 
the  youngster,  whose  anger  made  him  quite  forget  the 
presence  of  his  commanding  officer — **  Have  the  goodness 
to  step  into  that  boat." 

**  And  I  shall  order   you,   Mr   J ,"   observed   the 

master  with  asperity — "  I  order  you  to  go  into  that  boat, 
and  take  these  gentlemen  on  board,  and  to  hold  your 
tongue." 

"  Ay,  ay,  sir.  This  way,  sir,"  said  Jerry  to  Mr  Peter, 
making  him  a  polite  bow,  and  pointing  to  the  boat  at  the 
gangway — "  In  that  direction,  sir,  if  you  please,"  continued 
Jerry,  bowing  to  Mr  Paul,  and  pointing  to  the  quarter  of 
the  vessel. 

"And  why  in  that  direction,  sir?"  observed  Paul,  "I 
am  going  on  board  of  the  frigate." 

"  I  know  it,  sir  ;  it  was  considerate  on  my  part :  I  was 
allowing  for  the  angle  of  obliquity  in  your  vision.  You 
would  have  exactly  fetched  the  boat." 

The  indignation  of  Mr  Paul  was  now  at  its  height ;  and 
Pearce,   the  master,  who  was  much  annoyed  at   Jerry's 

excessive   impertinence,  which   he  knew  Captain   M 

would  never  have  overlooked,  detained  the  boat  for  a 
minute,  while  he  wrote  a  few  lines  to  Price,  requesting 
him   to   send   the   bearer   of  it   to  the  mast-head,   upon 

delivery,  for  his  impertinent  conduct.     "  Mr  J ,  take 

this  on  board,  and  deliver  it  from  me  to  the  commanding 
officer." 

"  Ay,  ay,  sir,"  replied  Jerry.  "  Shove  off  there, 
forward." 

Mr  Peter  looked  Jerry  earnestly  in  his  face  for  some 
time,  as  they  were  pulling  on  board. 

"  Well  now,  d — n  it,  I  like  you,  if  it's  only  for  your 
excessive  impudence." 

"  A  negative  sort  of  commendation,  but  I  believe  it  is 
the  only  one  that  he  has,"  replied  the  other,  in  a  surly  tone, 

"Highly   flattered,    sir,"   replied   Jerry   to   Mr   Peter, 

K.      I.  P 


226  The  King's  Own 

"  that  you  should  perceive  anything  to  induce  you  to  like 
me  :  but  I  am  sorry  I  cannot  return  the  compliment,  for 
I  really  cannot  perceive  anything  to  like  you  for.  As  for 
your  friend  there,  I  can  only  say,  that  I  detest  all  crooked 
ways. — In  bow  forward  ! — way  enough.  Now,  gentlemen, 
with  your  permission,  I'll  show  you  the  road,"  said  the 
youngster,  climbing  up  the  side. 

Jerry,  who  had  some  suspicion  that  the  note  was  not  in 
his  favour,  took  the  liberty,  as  it  was  neither  sealed  nor 
wafered,  of  reading  it  under  the  half-deck,  while  Price 
was  showing  the  two  gentlemen  into  the  cabin.  Not  to 
deliver  a  note  on  service  was  an  offence  for  which  Captain 

M would  have  dismissed  him  from  the  ship  ;  but  to 

be  perched  up,  like  a  monkey,  at  the  mast-head,  in  the 
afternoon,  after  having  fought  like  a  man  in  the  morning, 
was  very  much  against  the  grain.  At  any  other  time  he 
would  have  cared  little  about  it.  He  went  upon  deck 
again,  where  he  found  Prose  on  the  gangway — "  Well, 
Prose,  my  boy,  how  are  you  ?  " 

"  "Why,  upon  my  soul,  Jerry,  I  am  tired  to  death. 
Seven  times  have  I  been  backward  and  forward  to  that 
abominable  privateer,  and  now  my  tea  is  ready,  and  I  am 
ordered  to  go  again  for  these  gentlemen's  things." 

"Well,  that  is  hard.  I  will  go  for  you,  Prose,  shall  I? 
Where's  the  boat  ?  " 

"  All  ready,  alongside.  Well  now,  it's  very  kind  of 
you,  Jerry,  I  do  declare." 

Jerry  laid  hold  of  the  man-ropes,  and  began  to  descend 
the  side — and  then,  as  if  recollecting  himself  of  a  sudden, 
said,  "  Oh,  by-the-bye,  I  had  nearly  forgot.  Here's  a  note 
from  the  master  to  Mr  Price.     Give  it  him,  Prose." 

**  Yes,  Jerry,  I  will,"  replied  Prose,  walking  over  to  the 
side  of  the  quarter-deck  where  Price  was  carrying  on  the 
duty,  while  Jerry  made  all  the  haste  he  could,  and  shoved 
off  in  the  boat. 

**  A  not/e,  sir,  from  Mr  Pearce,  the  master." 

"  Hum,"  said  Price,  running  it  over.  *'  Mr  Prose,  go 
up  to  the  mast-head,  and  stay  there  till  I  call  you  down," 


The  King's  Own  227 

**  Sir  !  "  replied  Prose,  aghast. 

"No  reply,  sir — up  immediately." 

"Why,  sir,  it  was " 

"  Another  word,  sir,  and  I'll  keep  you  there  all  night," 
cried  Price,  walking  forward,  in  furtherance  of  the  duty  he 
was  carrying  on. 

"Well,  now,  I  do  declare  !  What  have  I  done  ?"  said 
Prose,  with  a  whimpering  voice,  as  he  reluctantly  ascended 
the  main-rigging,  not  unperceived  by  Jerry,  who  was 
watching  the  result  as  he  pulled  on  board  of  the 
privateer. 

"Come  on  board  for  these  gentlemen's  clothes,  sir," 
said  Jerry,  reporting  himself  to  Mr  Pearce,  who,  not  a  little 
surprised  to  see  him,  inquired— 

"  Did  Mr  Price  receive  my  note  ?  " 

*'  Yes,  sir,  he  did." 

"  Why,  I  requested  him  to  mast-head  you  !  " 

"  Many  thanks,  sir,  for  your  kindness,"  replied  the 
youngster,  touching  his  hat. 

Pearce,  who  was  annoyed  that  his  request  should  not 
have  been  complied  with,  stated  his  feelings  on  the  subject 
to  Price,  when  he  returned  to  the  ship  in  the  evening. 

Price  declared  that  he  had  sent  Prose  to  the  mast-head, 
and  had  not  called  him  down  until  eight  o'clock.  The 
affair  was  thus  explained,  and  Jerry  was  pardoned  for  the 
ingenuity  of  his  ruse  de  guerre,  while  all  the  comfort  that 
was  received  by  the  unfortunate  Prose  was  being  informed, 
on  the  ensuing  morning,  that  it  was  all  a  mistake. 

The   prize   being   now  ready.  Captain  M desired 

Courtenay  to  take  charge  of  it,  and  select  two  of  the  mid- 
shipmen to  accompany  him.  His  choice  fell  upon  Seymour 
and  Jerry  :  the  latter  being  selected  rather  for  his  own 
amusement,  than  for  his  qualities  as  an  officer.  The 
distance  to  Jamaica,  to  which  island  he  was  directed  to 
proceed,  and  from  thence  with  his  crew  to  obtain  a  passage 

to  Barbadoes,  was  not  great,  and  Captain  M did  not 

like  to  have  the  frigate  short-manned  ;  he  was  therefore 
not  allowed  to  take  more  than  ten  seamen  with  him,  five 


228  The  King's  Own 

prisoners  being  sent  on  board,  to  assist  in  navigating  the 
vessel. 

Mr  Capon  and  Mr  Contract,  at  their  own  request,  went 
as  passengers. 

In  the  afternoon,  as  soon  as  the  provisions  were  on  board, 
Courtenay  received  his  written  orders,  and  in  a  few  hours 
the  frigate  was  out  of  sight.  They  had  barely  time  to 
stow  away  everything  in  its  place,  and  make  the  necessary 
arrangements,  when  a  heavy  N.E.  swell,  and  louring 
horizon,  predicted  a  continuance  of  the  fair  wind,  and 
plenty  of  it.  So  it  proved ;  the  wind  increased  rapidly, 
and  the  men  found  it  difficult  to  reduce  the  canvas  in 
sufficient  time.  Before  dark,  the  wind  blew  with  con- 
siderable force,  not  steadily,  but  in  fitful  gusts :  and  the 
sun,  as  he  descended  in  the  wave,  warned  them,  by  his 
red  and  fiery  aspect,  to  prepare  for  an  increase  of  the  gale. 
The  schooner  flew  before  it,  under  her  diminished  sail, 
rolling  gunwale-to  in  the  deep  trough,  or  lurching  heavily 
as  her  weather  quarter  was  borne  up  aloft  by  the  culminat- 
ing swell.  All  was  secured  for  the  night ;  the  watch  was 
set,  and  Seymour  walked  the  deck,  while  Courtenay  and 
the  rest  went  below,  and  at  an  early  hour  retired  to  their 
beds. 

Among  other  reasons  for  selecting  our  hero  as  one  of 
his  assistants,  Courtenay  was  influenced  by  his  perfect 
knowledge  of  the  French  language,  which  might  prove 
useful  in  communicating  with  the  French  prisoners,  who 
were  sent  on  board  to  assist  in  working  the  vessel.  Jerry 
had  also  boasted  of  his  talent  in  that  way,  as  he  wished  to 
go  in  the  prize ;  and,  although  the  reader,  from  the  speci- 
men which  he  has  had,  may  not  exactly  give  credit  to  his 
assertions,  yet  Courtenay,  who  had  never  heard  him, 
believed  that  he  was  pretty  well  acquainted  with  the 
language. 

But,  soon  after  they  had  parted  with  the  frigate,  when 
Courtenay  desired  the  French  prisoners  to  lay  hold  of  the 
ropes  and  assist  in  shortening  sail,  they  all  refused. 
Seymour  was  not  on  deck  at  the  time  ;  he  had  been  desired 


The  King's  Own  229 

to  superintend  the  arrangements  below :  and  although  he 
had  been  informed  of  their  conduct,  he  had  not  yet  spoken 
to  the  prisoners.  Two  of  them  were  sitting  aft  under  the 
lee  of  the  weather-bulwark,  as  Seymour  was  walking  the 
deck  to  and  fro.  They  were  in  earnest  conversation,  when 
Seymour  stopped  near  to  them,  carelessly  leaning  over  the 
weather-quarter,  watching  the  long  following  seas,  when 
he  overhead  one  say  to  the  other — ^^  Taisez-vous,  peut-etre 
qu'il  nous  entendP  "  Nous  verrons^"^  replied  the  other — who 
immediately  rose,  and  addressed  Seymour  in  French,  relative 
to  the  weather.  What  he  had  previously  heard  induced 
our  hero  to  shake  his  head,  and  continue  to  look  over  the 
weather-quarter,  and  as  Seymour  only  answered  in  the 
English  negative  to  a  further  interrogation,  the  prisoners 
did  not  think  it  worth  while  to  remove  out  of  his  hearing, 
but,  satisfied  with  his  not  being  able  to  comprehend  them, 
sat  down  again,  and  resumed  their  conversation.  The 
lurching  of  the  vessel  was  a  sufficient  reason  for  not  walk- 
ing the  deck ;  but  Seymour,  to  remove  all  suspicion,  took 
another  turn  or  two,  and  then  again  held  on  by  the  ropes 
close  by  the  Frenchmen.  The  wind  blew  too  fresh  to 
permit  him  to  catch  more  than  an  occasional  sentence  or 
two  of  their  conversation :  but  what  he  heard  made  him 
more  anxious  to  collect  more. 

"  Us  ne  sont  que  seize,  avec  ce  petit  misere,^^  observed  one, 
"  et  nous  sommes — "  Here  the  rest  of  the  sentence  was 
lost.  Seymour  reckoned  up  the  English  on  board,  and 
found  that  with  Billy  Pitts,  whom  Macallan  had  allowed 
Courtenay  to  take  with  him  as  his  steward,  they  exactly 
amounted  to  that  number.  The  latter  epithet  he  con- 
sidered, justly  enough,  to  be  bestowed  upon  his  friend 
Jerry.  A  few  minutes  afterwards,  he  intercepted — 
''They'll  throw  us  overboard,  if  we  do  not  succeed — 
we'll  throw  them  overboard,  if  we  do."  '*  Courage,  mon 
ami,  il  n^y  aura  pas  de  difficult e ;  nous  sommes  trop  forts,^^ 
replied  the  other,  as,  terminating  their  conversation,  they 
rose  and  walked  forward. 

It   was    evident    to    our   hero    that    something    was   in 


230  The  King's  Own 

agitation ;  but  at  the  same  time  it  appeared  perfectly 
incomprehensible,  that  six  prisoners  should  have  even 
formed  the  idea  of  attempting  the  recapture  of  a  vessel 
manned  with  sixteen  Englishmen,  and  that  they  should 
consider  themselves  so  strong  as  to  ensure  success.  Deter- 
mined to  report  what  he  had  heard  to  Courtenay,  Seymour 
walked  the  remainder  of  his  watch,  was  relieved,  and  went 
below  to  his  hammock. 

The  wind  had  increased  during  the  night ;  but  as  it  was 
fair,  and  the  sky  clear,  and  the  sun  shone  bright,  the 
breeze  was  rather  a  matter  of  congratulation  when  they 
met  at  breakfast  in  the  morning,  although  Peter  and  Paul 
complained  of  the  violent  motion  of  the  vessel  having  taken 
away  their  appetite.  Seymour  reported  to  Courtenay  the 
fragments  of  the  conversation  which  he  had  overheard  ; 
and  insane  as  appeared  to  be  the  idea  of  recapture,  the 
latter  agreed  with  him  that  it  demanded  caution  on  their 
parts  :  but  as  it  would  appear  very  opposite  to  the  English 
character  to  take  open  measures  against  six  prisoners, 
when  they  were  so  numerous,  he  contented  himself  with 
desiring  all  the  arms  and  ammunition  to  be  stowed  in  the 
cabin,  and  gave  orders  that  the  prisoners,  as  they  refused 
to  work,  should  not  be  allowed  to  come  on  deck  after 
dusk,  —  and  then  gave  the  affair  no  further  thought. 
Seymour  was  aware  that,  although  it  was  his  duty  to 
report  the  circumstance,  he  had  no  right  to  press  the 
matter  upon  Courtenay,  who  was  to  be  supposed  the  best 
judge ;  still  he  was  not  satisfied.  He  had  an  unaccountable 
foreboding  that  all  was  not  right.  He  turned  the  subject 
in  his  mind  until  dinner  was  announced  by  Billy  Pitts, 
which  put  an  end  to  his  reverie. 

The  violent  jerking  motion  of  the  vessel  made  it  no  easy 
task  to  retain  a  position  at  the  table,  which  was  securely 
lashed.  As  for  placing  on  it  the  whole  of  the  dinner  at 
once,  decanters,  etc.,  that  would  have  been  certain 
destruction  ;  a  plate  and  spoon  for  their  soup  was  all 
which  Billy  Pitts,  who  was  major-domo,  would  trust  them 
with.     Paul,  who  was  not  the  best  sailor  in  the  world. 


The  King's  Own  231 

had  secured  to  himself  the  seat  to  windward,  and  it  conse- 
quently fell  to  his  lot  to  help  the  pea-soup,  which  was 
placed  at  the  weather-side  of  the  table.  To  save  time  and 
breakage, — two  important  things  in  a  sea-mess, — they  all 
held  their  own  plates,  which  they  thrust  in  towards  the 
tureen  from  the  different  quarters  of  the  table  to  receive 
their  supply.  Paul  having  helped  those  nearest  to  him, 
rose  from  his  chair  that  he  might  see  to  fill  the  plates  on 
the  other  side  of  the  tureen.  He  was  leaning  over,  his 
centre  of  gravity  being  considerably  beyond  the  perpen- 
dicular, when  a  heavy  sea  struck  the  vessel,  and  threw  her 
nearly  on  her  beam  ends,  pitching  Paul  right  over  the 
table  to  leeward.  With  the  tureen,  which  he  did  not 
forget  to  take  with  him,  he  flew  into  Jerry's  arms,  and 
they  rolled  together  on  the  floor.  The  contents  of  the 
tureen  were  rapidly  deposited  in  the  open  bosom  of  Jerry, 
who  disengaged  himself  from  the  embraces  of  his  enemy 
as  fast  as  he  could,  amidst  the  laughter  of  his  companions. 

"Well,  you  asked  for  soup,"  observed  Courtenay. 

**  Yes,  and  my  friend  has  helped  me  very  liberally," 
replied  Jerry,  who  was  not  at  all  out  of  humour,  except 
when  he  was  foiled  with  his  own  weapons.  In  the  mean- 
time, Paul,  who  was  a  little  stunned  with  the  blow  he  had 
received  on  his  head,  had  continued  on  the  floor  rolling  in 
the  pea-soup,  and  was  just  attempting  to  get  on  his  legs. 

"  You've  got  it  all  to  yourself  there,  Mr  Paul.  As  you 
seem  to  like  it,  perhaps  you  would  prefer  a  spoon,"  said 
Jerry,  offering  him  one  at  the  same  time. 

"  I  say,  Paul,  what  a  capital  harlequin  you  would  make," 
observed  Peter. 

Paul,  who  had  recovered  his  legs,  and  now  clung  on  by 
the  table,  looked  an  answer  horribly  asquint,  as  if  he  did 
not  admire  the  joke ;  but  he  resumed  his  seat  at  the  table. 

The  remainder  of  the  dinner  was  brought  down  without 
further  accident  occurring ;  and  by  the  time  it  was  over, 
as  the  bottle  had  to  be  passed  round,  and  everybody  was 
obliged  to  drink  off  immediately,  and  put  his  wine-glass 
inside  his  waistcoat  to  save  it  from  perdition,  they  all  were 


232  The  King's  Own 

very  merry  and  happy  before  the  repast  had  been  con- 
cluded. "There,"  said  Jerry,  stroking  himself  down 
when  he  had  finished  his  cheese,  as  if  he  were  a  FalstafF, 
"  a  kitten  might  play  with  me  now." 

"  More  than  one  dare  do  with  me,"  rejoined  Peter, 
"  for  Fm  cursedly  inclined  to  shoot  the  cat^ 

But  as  the  second  evening  closed  in,  the  sky  was  loaded 
with  heavy  clouds, — the  scud  flew  wildly  past  them, — 
the  sea  increased  to  mountains  high, — and  the  gale  roared 
through  the  rigging  of  the  schooner,  which  was  now 
impelled  before  it  under  bare  poles.  They  were  really 
in  danger.  The  hatches  were  battened  down  fore  and 
aft — the  ports  were  knocked  out  to  allow  the  escape  of 
the  water,  which  poured  over  in  such  volumes  as  would 
otherwise  have  swamped  the  vessel — and  Courtenay  and 
his  crew  remained  on  deck  until  dawn  of  day,  when  the 
violence  of  the  gale  seemed  to  have  abated. 

Courtenay  desired  Seymour  and  Jerry  to  turn  in,  and 
relieve  him  at  eight  o'clock.  Our  hero  and  Jerry  went 
down  into  the  cabin,  where  they  found  the  two  passengers, 
who,  although  they  had  not  come  on  deck  during  the 
night,  had  not  retired  to  bed.  Peter  was  sitting  up  to 
windward  on  the  locker,  looking  very  pale  and  very  sea- 
sick. Paul  was  on  the  cabin  floor,  with  one  hand  holding 
on  by  the  leg  of  the  table,  and  a  bottle  of  brandy  in  the 
other.  His  prayer-book  he  had  abandoned  during  a 
fright,  and  it  was  washing  about  in  the  lee-scuppers. 
Jerry  was  delighted,  but  put  on  a  rueful  face. 

'^Well,"  observed  Paul,  who  was  nearly  frightened 
out  of  his  wits,  "  how  is  it  now  ?  " 

"  Worse  and  worse,"  replied  Jerry ;  "  there's  nine 
inches  water  in  the  well." 

"  Oh,  my  God  ! "  cried  Paul,  who  was  not  very  au  fait 
at  nautical  technicalities, — raising  one  eye  up  to  heaven, 
while  the  other  appeared  to  rest  upon  the  bottle  of 
brandy. 

"  But  why  don't  you  turn  in  ? "  said  Jerry ;  "  we  can  go 
to  the  bottom  just  as  comfortably  in  bed  as  anywhere  else." 


The  King's  Own  2^^ 

**  I  agree  with  you,"  replied  Peter,  who  had  often  been 
at  sea,  and  knew  very  well  that  all  was  right,  by  the  two 
midshipmen  coming  off  deck.  "  My  mother  prophesied 
that  I  never  should  die  in  my  bed  ;  but  Fm  determined 
that  I  will." 

"  You  had  better  turn  in,  Mr  Paul,"  said  Seymour, 
kindly  ;  *'  I'll  ring  for  the  steward." 

Billy  Pitts  made  his  appearance.  "  By  gad,  gentlemen, 
the  d d  schooner  under  water." 

*'  Under  water  !  "  cried  Paul,  with  dismay.  The  bottle 
was  applied  to  his  mouth,  as  if  he  was  determined  to 
leave  as  little  room  as  possible  for  the  element  which 
he  expected  instantaneously  to  be  struggling  in. 

With  the  assistance  of  Billy,  Paul  was  placed  in  one 
of  the  standing  bed-places  at  the  side  of  the  cabin.  Jerry 
put  his  brandy  bottle  at  the  side  of  his  pillow, — kindly 
informing  him  that  he  would  have  an  opportunity  of 
taking  a  few  more  swigs  before  he  went  down,  for  the 
water  was  only  up  to  her  bends  at  present.  Peter  was 
already  in  the  cot  next  to  him,  and  Seymour  and  Jerry 
turned  in,  without  taking  off  their  clothes,  in  Courtenay's 
bed  on  the  other  side  of  the  cabin.  Before  they  had 
fallen  asleep,  they  heard  Paul  cry  out,  "Peter  !  Peter  !  " 

"  Well,  what  do  you  want  ?  " 

**  Do  you  think  there  are  any  hopes  ?  " 

Peter,  who  wished  to  frighten  his  companion,  replied, 
gravely — "  I  am  afraid  not ; — but,  Paul,  I've  just  been 
reflecting  upon  the  subject.  Here  we  are,  two  men 
considerably  on  the  wrong  side  of  forty.  We  have 
enjoyed  our  youth,  which  is  the  happiest  period  of  our 
life.  We  are  now  fast  descending  the  hill,  to  old  age, 
decrepitude,  and  disease — what  avails  a  few  more  years, 
allowing  that  we  are  spared  this  time  ?  Don't  you  per- 
ceive the  comfort  of  my  observations  ?  " 

Paul  groaned,  and  made  no  answer ;  but  even  the  creak- 
ing of  the  timbers  could  not  disguise  the  repeated  cleck- 
cleck-cleck,  as  the  brandy  from  the  bottle  gurgled  down 
his  throat. 


234  The  King's  Own 


Chapter  XXXIII 

Two  striplings,  lads  more  like  to  run 
Than  to  commit  such  slaughter. 

Cymbeline, 

The  gales  of  wind  in  the  tropical  climates  are  violent 
while  they  last,  but  are  seldom  of  long  duration.  Such 
was  the  case  in  the  present  instance:  for  it  subsided  in 
a  few  hours  after  daylight ;  and  the  schooner,  that  had 
been  propelled  before  it,  was  now  sheltered  under  the 
lee  of  the  island  of  St  Domingo,  and,  with  all  her  canvas 
spread,  was  gHding  through  a  tranquil  sea.  Again  they 
were  collected  round  the  dinner-table,  to  a  more  quiet 
repast  than  they  had  hitherto  enjoyed  since  they  had 
come  on  board.  Paul  had  not  quite  recovered  his  spirits, 
although,  when  he  went  on  deck,  just  before  the  dinner 
was  announced,  he  was  delighted  at  the  sudden  change 
which  had  taken  place ;  but  the  mirth  of  his  companions 
at  his  expense  was  not  received  in  very  good  part. 

After  dinner,  finding  himself  in  a  better  humour,  he 
turned  to  Peter,  and  addressed  him, — "  I  say,  Peter,  I 
made  no  answer  to  your  remarks  last  night,  when  we 
expected  to  go  down ;  but  I  have  since  had  time  deliber- 
ately to  weigh  your  arguments,  and  I  should  like  you 
to  explain  to  me  where  the  comfort  was  that  you  so 
strenuously  pointed  out,  for  hang  me  if  I  can  discover 
it." 

Seymour  again  had  charge  of  the  first  watch  ;  and, 
notwithstanding  that  the  orders  for  the  prisoners  to  remain 
below  after  dark  had  been  communicated  to  them,  he 
observed  that,  on  one  pretence  or  other,  they  occasionally 
came  on  deck,  and  repeatedly  put  their  heads  above  the 
hatchway.  This  conduct  reminded  him  of  the  conversation 
which  he  had  overheard,  and  again  it  was  the  subject  of  his 

thoughts.     Captain  M had  one  day  observed  to  him, 

that  if  there  was  no  duty  going  on,  he  could  not  employ 


The  King's  Own  235 

himself  in  a  more  useful  manner,  when  he  was  walking  the 
deck,  than  by  placing  himself,  or  the  ship,  in  difficult 
situations,  and  reflecting  upon  the  most  eligible  means  of 

relief.      *'  Depend   upon   it,"   observed   Captain   M , 

**  the  time  will  come,  when  you  will  find  it  of  use  to  you  ; 
and  it  will  create  for  you  a  presence  of  mind,  in  a  sudden 
dilemma,  which  may  be  the  salvation  of  yourself  and  the 
ship  you  are  in." 

Seymour,  remembering  this  injunction,  reflected  upon 
what  would  be  the  most  advisable  steps  to  take,  in  case  of 
the  French  prisoners  attempting  a  recapture  during  his 
watch  on  deck.  That  there  were  but  six,  it  was  very  true  ; 
but,  at  the  same  time,  during  the  night-watches  there  were 
but  five  English  seamen,  and  the  officer  of  the  watch,  on 
deck.  Should  the  Frenchmen  have  the  boldness  to  attempt 
to  regain  possession  of  the  vessel,  there  was  no  doubt  that, 
if  the  watch  could  be  surprised,  the  hatches  would  be 
secured  over  those  below.  What  should  be  the  steps,  in 
such  a  case,  that  he  ought  to  take  ? 

Such  were  the  cogitations  of  Seymour,  when  midnight 
was  reported,  and  Jerry  was  summoned  to  relieve  the  deck 
— which  he  did  not  do,  relying  upon  our  hero's  good-nature, 
until  past  one  bell.  Up  he  came,  with  his  ready  apology 
— "  I  really  beg  your  pardon,  my  dear  fellow,  but  I  had 
not  a  wink  of  sleep  last  night." 

*'  Never  mind,  Jerry,  I  am  not  at  all  sleepy.  I  had  been 
thinking  about  these  French  prisoners — I  cannot  get  their 
conversation  out  of  my  head." 

"  Why,  I  did  not  like  it  myself,  when  I  heard  of  it," 
replied  Jerry.  "  I  hope  they  won't  attempt  it  in  my 
watch  ;  it  would  not  give  them  much  trouble  to  launch  me 
over  the  quarter — I  should  skim  away,  '  flying  light,'  like 
a  lady's  bonnet." 

"  What  would  you  do,  Jerry,  if  you  perceived  them 
rushing  aft  to  retake  the  vessel  ? "  inquired  Seymour,  who 
was  aware  of  his  ready  invention. 

"  Skim  up  the  rigging  like  a  lamp-lighter,  to  be  sure. 
Not    that    it    would    be    of    much    use,    if    they   gained 


2^6  The  King's  Own 

the  day — except  to  say  a  few  prayers  before  I  went 
astern." 

"  Well,  that  was  my  idea ;  but  I  thought  that  if  one  had 
a  musket  and  ammunition  up  there,  a  diversion  might  be 
created  in  favour  of  those  below — for  the  prisoners  have  no 
firearms." 

"  Very  true,"  replied  Jerry ;  *'  we  might  puzzle  them 
not  a  little." 

"  Now,  Jerry,  suppose  we  were  to  take  that  precaution, 
for  I  do  not  like  their  manoeuvres  during  my  watch.  It 
will  do  no  harm,  if  it  does  no  good.  Suppose  you  fetch 
two  muskets  and  cartouch-boxes  from  the  cabin — I'll  take 
one,  and  secure  it  in  the  fore-cross-trees,  and  you  do  the 
same  at  the  main  :  for  Courtenay  is  too  proud  to  keep  an 
armed  watch." 

Jerry  agreed  to  the  proposal,  and  brought  up  the  muskets 
and  ammunition.  Seymour  gave  him  a  stout  fox  to  lash 
the  musket  ;  and  taking  another  himself,  they  both 
ascended  the  rigging  at  the  same  time,  and  were  busy 
securing  the  muskets  up  and  down  at  the  head  of  the  lower 
masts,  when  they  heard  a  sudden  rush  upon  deck,  beneath 
them. 

It  was  dark,  though  not  so  dark  but  they  could  distin- 
guish what  was  going  on,  and  they  perceived  that  their 
thoughts  had  but  anticipated  the  reality.  "  The  French 
are  up  !  "  roared  the  man  at  the  wheel,  to  rouse  those  below, 
as  well  as  the  watch,  who  were  lying  about  the  decks  ;  but, 
to  the  astonishment  of  the  youngsters  aloft,  as  well  as  of  the 
men  on  deck,  not  six  but  about  twenty  Frenchmen,  armed 
with  cutlasses,  made  their  appearance.  The  hatches  were 
over  and  secured  in  a  minute  ;  and  the  unarmed  English 
on  deck  were  then  attacked  by  the  superior  force.  It  was 
with  agonised  feelings  that  Seymour  and  Jerry  heard  the 
scuffle  which  took  place  ;  it  was  short ;  and  plunge  after 
plunge  into  the  water,  alongside,  announced  the  death  of 
each  separate  victim.  The  man  at  the  wheel  struggled 
long — he  was  of  an  athletic  frame — but,  overpowered  by 
numbers,  he  was  launched  over  the  tafFrail. 


The  King's  Own  ^7)1 

The  French,  supposing  that  the  remainder  of  the  crew 
were  below,  placed  sentries  over  the  hatches,  that  they 
might  not  be  forced,  and  then  collected  together  abaft, 
altering  the  course  of  the  vessel  for  St  Domingo. 

It  will  be  necessary  to  explain  the  sudden  appearance  of 
so  many  Frenchmen.  When  the  captain  of  the  privateer 
was  occupied,  during  the  night  previous  to  the  attack,  with 
several  plans  of  defence,  he  also  arranged  one  for  the  re- 
capture of  the  vessel,  in  case  of  their  being  overpowered. 
With  this  in  view,  he  had  constructed  a  platform  in  the 
hold,  on  which  a  tier  of  casks  was  stowed,  and  under  which 
there  was  sufficient  space  for  fifteen  or  twenty  men  to  lie 
concealed.  When  the  privateer's  men  had  been  driven 
below,  and  the  hatches  secured  over  them,  fifteen,  armed 
with  cutlasses,  concealed  themselves  in  this  place,  with  the 
hopes  of  recapturing  the  vessel  from  the  prize-master,  after 
she  should  have  parted  company  with  the  frigate.  The 
prisoners,  who  had  been  sent  on  board  to  assist  in  navigating 
the  schooner  to  Jamaica,  had  communicated  with  them,  un- 
perceived,  after  dark.  As  all  the  English  were  fatigued, 
from  having  been  on  deck  during  the  previous  night,  the 
middle  watch  was  proposed  for  the  attempt,  which  had  thus 
far  been  attended  with  success. 

Seymour  and  Jerry  remained  quiet  at  the  mast-heads ; 
for  although  they  did  not  attempt  to  communicate  with 
each  other,  for  fear  of  discovery,  they  both  rightly  judged 
that  it  would  be  best  to  remain  till  daylight;  by  which 
time,  some  plans  would  have  been  formed  by  the  party 
below,  which  their  situation  would  enable  them  materially 
to  assist.  Nearly  four  hours  elapsed  previous  to  the 
dawning  of  the  day,  during  which  interval  Jerry  had 
ample  time  to  say  some  of  those  prayers  which  he  spoke 
of,  and  which  it  was  to  be  supposed  that  they  both  did  not 
fail  to  offer  up  in  their  perilous  situation. 

As  soon  as  the  day  began  to  break,  Jerry,  who  had  not 
yet  loaded  his  musket,  lest  he  might  be  heard,  thought 
it  time  to  prepare  for  action.  He  primed,  and  put  in  his 
cartridge,  in  the  ramming  down  of  which  a  slight  ringing 


238  The  King's  Own 

of  the  ramrod  against  the  muzzle  attracted  the  notice  of 
one  of  the  Frenchmen,  who,  looking  up,  after  a  short  time, 
exclaimed : — 

"  Diable  !  c'est  inonsieur  miser e  qui  est  la  I  " 

Jerry  levelled  with  a  steady  aim,  and  the  bullet  passed 
through  the  broad  chest  of  the  Frenchman,  who  rolled 
upon  the  deck. 

"Now,  they  may  chant  your  miserere^'*  cried  the 
youngster. 

A  second  shot  from  the  fore-cross-trees  laid  another 
Frenchman  alongside  of  his  companion. 

^^  Comment  I  diable  I  nous  serons  ahzmes  par  ces  enfans-la  ; 
ilfaut  iTwnter^"* 

The  muskets  were  again  loaded,  and  again  each  boy 
brought  down  his  bird,  before  the  Frenchmen  could  decide 
upon  their  operations.  It  was  a  case  of  necessity  that  the 
youngsters  should  be  attacked  ;  but  it  was  a  service  of  no 
little  danger,  and  of  certain  destruction  to  one,  who  must 
fall  a  sacrifice,  that  the  other  might  be  able  to  secure  the 
youngster  before  he  had  time  to  reload  his  musket.  Two 
of  the  most  daring  flew  to  the  main  rigging,  one  ascending 
to  windward,  and  the  other  to  leeward.  Seymour,  who 
perceived  their  intentions,  reserved  his  fire  until  he  saw 
the  one  in  the  weather  rigging  fall  by  Jerry's  musket ;  he 
then  levelled  at  the  one  to  leeward,  who  dropped  into  the 
lee-chains,  and  from  thence  into  the  sea.  Thus  had  six 
Frenchmen  already  fallen  by  the  coolness  and  determination 
of  two  boys,  one  but  fourteen,  and  the  other  not  sixteen 
years  old. 

A  short  consultation  ended  in  the  Frenchmen  resorting 
to  the  only  measures  likely  to  be  attended  with  success. 
Leaving  three  to  guard  the  hatchways,  the  remaining 
twelve,  divided  into  four  parties,  began  to  mount  both 
fore  and  main-rigging,  to  windward  and  to  leeward,  at  the 
same  time.  The  fate  of  Jerry  and  Seymour  now  appeared 
to  be  decided.  They  might  each  kill  one  man  more,  and 
then  would  have  been  hurled  into  the  sea.  But  during  the 
consultation,  Seymour,  who  anticipated  this  movement,  and 


The  King's  Own  239 

liad  a  knife  in  his  pocket,  divided  the  lanyards  of  the  lee 
top-mast-rigging,  and  running  up  the  weather  side  with 
his  musket  and  ammunition,  as  soon  as  he  had  gained  the 
top-mast  cross-trees,  hauled  up  the  lee  rigging  after  him ; 
thus  gaining  a  position  that  would  admit  but  one  person 
mounting  up  to  him  at  a  time.  He  called  to  Jerry, 
pointing  out  what  he  had  done,  that  he  might  do  the  same ; 
but  unfortunately  Jerry  had  not  a  knife,  and  could  not. 
He  contented  himself  with  climbing  up  to  the  top-mast 
cross-trees,  to  which  he  was  followed  by  two  of  the 
Frenchmen.  Jerry  levelled  his  musket,  and  passed  his 
bullet  through  the  skull  of  one  of  his  pursuers,  whose 
heavy  fall  on  the  deck  shook  the  schooner  fore  and  aft : 
and  then,  aware  that  nothing  more  could  be  done,  pitched 
his  musket  overboard,  that  they  might  not  gain  possession 
of  it,  and  climbing,  with  a  nimbleness  suited  to  the 
occasion,  up  to  the  mast-head,  descended  by  the  top- 
gallant-stay to  the  fore-topmast  cross-trees,  and  joined 
Seymour,  in  the  presence  of  the  exasperated  Frenchmen, 
who  now,  unable  to  reach  either  of  them,  were  at  a 
nonplus.  *'  I  say,  monsieur,  no  catchee,  no  habbee,"  cried 
Jerry,  laughing,  and  putting  his  hand  to  his  side  from  loss 
of  breath. 

But  we  must  now  acquaint  the  reader  with  what  is  going 
on  below.  The  surprise  of  Courtenay,  when  he  found  the 
hatches  down,  and  the  deck  in  possession  of  the  French, 
was  removed,  when  the  men  who  had  been  secured  with 
him  stated  that,  as  they  lay  in  their  hammocks,  they  had 
been  awakened  by  a  large  body  of  men  running  up  the 
hatchway.  He  now  perceived  that  there  must  have  been 
men  concealed  in  the  hold  of  the  vessel.  The  struggle  on 
deck,  the  splashing  in  the  water,  all  had  been  plainly  heard 
below;  they  were  aware  of  the  fate  of  their  shipmates, 
and  did  not  expect  to  see  daylight  again,  until  they  were 
handed  up  as  prisoners  in  a  French  port. 

The  feelings  of  Courtenay  were  not  enviable.  He 
upbraided  himself  for  having,  by  his  want  of  prudence, 
lost  the  vessel,  and  sacrificed  the  lives  of  the  two  midship- 


240  The  King's  Own 

men  and  five  seamen  who  had  the  watch  on  deck.  The 
party  below  consisted  of  Courtenay,  Peter  and  Paul, 
Billy  Pitts,  and  five  seamen  ;  and  a  consultation  was  held 
as  to  their  proceedings.  To  regain  the  vessel  and  avenge 
the  death  of  their  shipmates,  or  to  perish  in  the  attempt, 
was  the  determination  of  the  lieutenant. 

He  was  aware  that  the  French  had  no  firearms ;  and, 
amply  supplied  as  they  were,  he  would  have  cared  little 
for  their  numbers  if  once  on  deck  ;  but  how  to  get  on  deck 
was  the  problem.  To  set  fire  to  the  vessel,  and  rush  up  in 
the  flames, — to  scuttle  her, — or  to  blow  her  up,  and  all  go 
down  together,  were  each  proposed  and  agitated. 

Peter's  plan  was  considered  as  the  most  feasible.  He 
suggested,  that  one  half  of  the  cabin  table,  which  was 
divided  in  two,  should  be  placed  upon  the  other,  so  as  to 
raise  it  up  to  the  combings  of  the  skylight-hatch ;  on  the 
upper  table,  to  place  a  pound  or  two  of  powder,  which, 
from  the  ascending  principle  of  explosion,  would  blow  off 
the  skylight  and  grating  without  injuring  the  vessel  below. 
Then,  with  their  muskets  loaded  and  bayonets  fixed,  to 
jump  on  the  table,  and  from  thence,  if  possible,  gain  the 
deck. 

This  was  agreed  to,  and  the  preparations  were  well 
forward,  when  the  report  of  Jerry's  musket  was  heard — 
another  succeeded,  and  they  were  perplexed.  Had  the 
Frenchmen  firearms  ? — and  if  so,  what  could  they  be  firing 
at  ?  The  falling  of  the  bodies  on  deck,  and  the  indistinct 
curses  of  the  Frenchmen,  puzzled  them  even  more. 
"  "What  can  it  be  ?  "  observed  Courtenay. 

"  I  recollect  now,"  said  Paul,  "  as  I  lay  awake,  I  saw  a 
young  devilskin  pass  my  bed  with  a  musket — I  wondered 
what  it  was  for." 

"  Then,  probably,  he  has  gained  the  rigging  with  it,  and 
is  safe,"  cried  Courtenay,  intuitively.  "Be  quick! 
Where's  the  powder  ?     Take  that  candle  further  off." 

The  train  was  laid  as  the  muskets  continued  to  be  dis- 
charged ;  they  removed  from  the  cabin ; — it  was  fired,  and 
the  skylight  was  blown  up,  killing  the  Frenchman  who 


The  King's  Own  241 

guarded  the  hatchway,  at  the  very  moment  that  the 
Frenchmen  were  in  the  rigging,  puzzled  with  the 
manoeuvres  of  Seymour  and  the  escape  of  Jerry. 

Courtenay  and  his  party  rushed  into  the  cabin,  mounted 
the  table,  and  were  on  deck  before  the  smoke  had  cleared 
away;  and  the  Frenchmen,  who  had  not  had  time  to 
descend  the  rigging,  were  at  their  mercy. 

Mercy  they  were  not  entitled  to.  They  had  shown  none 
to  the  unarmed  English,  whom  they  had  wantonly  thrown 
into  the  sea  when  they  had  overpowered  them,  and  were 
now  thirsting  for  the  blood  of  the  two  boys.  No  mercy 
was  shown  to  them.  As  they  dropped  one  by  one  from 
the  rigging  wounded  or  dead,  they  were  tossed  into  the 
wave,  as  an  expiatory  sacrifice  to  the  manes  of  the  murdered 
Englishmen.  In  a  few  minutes  the  carnage  was  over. 
Seymour  and  Jerry  descended  from  their  little  forta/ice  aloft, 
and  were  warmly  greeted  by  their  friends  as  they  reached 
the  deck. 

**  Really,  Mr  Paul,"  said  Jerry,  shaking  his  proffered 
hand,  "  this  is  quite  an  unexpected  pleasure." 

"  Well,  I  never  thought  that  I  could  possibly  like  you,'* 
answered  the  other. 

"Well,"  observed  Jerry,  "it  has  quite  stopped  my 
growth." 

"But  not  your  tongue,  I  hope,"  replied  Peter;  "that 
would  be  a  pity.     Now  explain  to  us  how  it  all  happened." 

Jerry  entered  into  the  detail  with  his  accustomed 
humour,  while  Courtenay  walked  aft  with  Seymour,  to 
have  a  more  sober  narrative  of  the  transactions  which  we 
have  described,  and  which  afforded  ample  matter  for  con- 
versation, until  the  prize  was  brought  to  an  anchor  in  Port 
Royal  harbour,  where  Courtenay  and  his  crew  were 
ordered  a  passage  to  Barbadoes,  in  a  frigate  that  had  orders 
to  proceed  there  in  a  few  days ;  and  Mr  Peter  Capon  and 
Mr  Paul  Contract  went  on  shore,  declaring  that  until  a 
mail  coach  ran  between  there  and  England,  they  should 
never  leave  the  island  and  again  subject  themselves  to  the 
charming  vicissitudes  of  a  seafaring  existence. 
K.      I.  Q 


242  The  King's  Own 


Chapter   XXXIV 

For  the  execution  of  all  form,  observance,  ceremony,  subordination,  and  the 
like,  even  though,  while  he  compels  obedience,  he  may  get  himself 
privately  laughed  at,  commend  me  to  our  governor,  Don  Fabricio. 

Humours  of  Madrid. 

In  a  few  days,  Courtenay,  with  the  prize  crew  of  the 
Aspasia,  sailed  for  Barbadoes,  in  the  frigate  which  had  been 
ordered  to  receive  them  for  a  passage. 

The  frigate  was  commanded  by  one  of  the  most  singular 
characters  in  the  service.  He  was  a  clever  man,  a  thorough 
sailor,  and  well  acquainted  with  the  details  and  techni- 
calities of  the  profession — a  spirited  and  enterprising 
officer,  but  of  the  most  arbitrary  disposition.  So  well  was 
he  acquainted  with  the  regulations  of  the  service,  that  he 
could  hedge  himself  in  so  as  to  ensure  a  compliance  with 
the  most  preposterous  orders,  or  draw  the  officer  who 
resisted  into  a  premunire  which  would  risk  his  commission. 

In  a  profession  where  one  man  is  embarked  with  many, 
isolated  from  the  power  whence  he  derives  his  own — 
where  his  fiat  must  be  received  without  a  murmur  by 
hundreds  who  can  reason  as  well  as  himself,  it  is  abso- 
lutely requisite  that  he  should  be  invested  with  an  authority 
amounting  to  despotism.  True  it  is  that  he  is  held 
responsible  to  his  superiors  for  any  undue  exercise  of  this 
authority ;  but  amongst  so  many  to  whom  it  is  confided, 
there  must  be  some  who,  from  disposition,  or  the  bad 
example  of  those  under  whom  they  have  served,  will  not 
adhere  to  the  limits  which  have  been  prescribed.  This, 
however,  is  no  reason  for  reducing  that  authority,  which, 
as  you  govern  wholly  by  opinion,  is  necessary  for  the 
discipline  which  upholds  the  service  ;  but  it  is  a  strong 
reason  for  not  delegating  it  to  those  who  are  not  fit  to  be 
entrusted. 

Captain  Bradshaw  had  many  redeeming  qualities. 
Oppressor  as  he  was,  he  admired  a  spirit  of  resistance  in 


The  King's  Own  243 

an  officer,  when  it  was  shown  in  a  just  cause,  and,  upon 
reflection,  was  invariably  his  friend,  for  he  felt  that  his  own 
natural  temperament  was  increased  by  abject  obedience. 
Raynal,  I  think  it  is,  has  said  that  "  the  pride  of  men  in 
office  arises  as  much  from  the  servility  of  their  inferiors  or 
expectants,  as  from  any  other  cause."  In  our  service,  they 
are  all  inferiors,  and  all  expectants.  Can  it  then  be 
surprising  that  a  captain  occasionally  becomes  tyrannical  ? 
But  Captain  Bradshaw  was  not  naturally  tyrannical :  he 
had  become  so,  because,  promoted  at  an  early  age,  he  had 
never  been  afterwards  opposed  ;  no  one  contradicted  him  ; 
every  one  applauded  his  jokes,  and  magnified  his  mirth 
into  wit.  He  would  try  by  a  court-martial  an  officer  who 
had  committed  a  slight  error,  and  on  the  same  day  would 
open  his  purse  and  extend  his  patronage  to  another  whom 
he  knew  not,  but  had  been  informed  that  he  was  deserving, 
and  had  no  friends.  To  his  seamen  he  was  as  lavish  with 
his  money  as  he  was  with  the  cat.  He  would  give  a  man 
a  new  jacket  one  day,  and  cut  it  to  pieces  on  his  back  with 
a  rope's  end  on  the  next.  Yet  it  was  not  exactly  incon- 
sistency— it  was  an  eccentricity  of  character — not  natural, 
but  created  by  the  service.  The  graft  was  of  a  worse 
quality  than  the  parent  stock,  and  the  fruit  was  a 
compound  of  the  two.  The  sailors,  who  are  of  the  most 
forgiving  temper  in  the  world,  and  will  pardon  a  hundred 
faults  for  one  redeeming  quality,  declared  that  "  he  warn't 
a  bad  captain  after  all." 

His  violent  and  tyrannical  disposition  made  him  constantly 
at  variance  with  his  officers,  and  continual  changes  took 
place  in  his  ship  ;  but  it  was  observed,  that  those  who  had 
left  him  from  a  spirited  resistance,  were  kindly  received, 
and  benefited  by  his  patronage,  while  those  who  submitted 
were  neglected.  Like  a  pretty  but  clever  woman,  who  is 
aware  that  flattery  is  to  be  despised,  and  yet,  from  habit, 
cannot  exist  without  it,  so  Captain  Bradshaw  exacted  the 
servility  which  he  had  been  accustomed  to,  yet  rewarded 
not  those  by  whom  it  was  administered.  All  the  midship- 
men  promoted  on  the   station  had  to  pass   through  the 


244  The  King's  Own 

ordeal  of  sailing  with  Captain  Bradshaw,  who  generally 
had  a  vacancy;  and  it  certainly  had  a  good  effect  upon 
those  young  men  who  were  inclined  to  presume  upon  their 
newly  acquired  rank  ;  for  they  were  well-schooled  before 
they  quitted  his  ship. 

When  Courtenay  and  his  party  went  on  board  of  the 
frigate,  the  first  lieutenant,  master,  and  surgeon,  indignant 
at  language  which  had  been  used  to  them  by  the  captain, 
refused  to  dine  in  the  cabin,  when  they  were  invited  by 
the  steward,  who  reported  to  Captain  Bradshaw,  that  the 
officers  would  not  accept  his  invitation. 

"  Won't  they,  by  G — d  !  Til  see  that.  Send  my  clerk 
here." 

The  clerk  made  his  appearance,  with  an  abject  bow. 

"  Mr  Powell,  sit  down,  and  write  as  I  dictate,"  said 
Captain  Bradshaw,  who,  walking  up  and  down  the  fore- 
cabin,  composed  a  memorandum,  in  which,  after  a  long 
preamble,  the  first  lieutenant,  master,  and  surgeon,  were 
directed  to  dine  with  him  every  day,  until  further  orders. 
Captain  Bradshaw,  having  signed  it,  sent  for  the  first 
lieutenant,  and  delivered  it  himself  into  his  hands. 

"  Ferguson  ! — Bradly  !  "  cried  the  first  lieutenant,  en- 
tering the  gun-room,  with  the  paper  in  his  hand,  "  here's 
something  for  all  three  of  us, — a  positive  order  to  dine 
with  the  skipper  every  day,  until — he  gets  tired  of  our 
company." 

"  I'll  be  hanged  if  I  do,"  replied  the  surgeon.  **  I'll  put 
myself  in  the  sick  list." 

"  And  if  I  am  obliged  to  go,  I'll  not  touch  anything," 
rejoined  the  master.  "  There's  an  old  proverb,  *  you  may 
lead  a  horse  to  the  pond,  but  you  can't  make  him  drink.' " 

"  Whatever  we  do,"  replied  Roberts,  the  first  lieutenant, 
**  we  must  act  in  concert ;  but  I  have  been  long  enough  in 
the  service  to  know  that  we  must  obey  first,  and  remon- 
strate afterwards.  That  this  is  an  unusual  order,  I  grant, 
nor  do  I  know  by  what  regulations  of  the  service  it  can  be 
enforced ;  but  at  the  same  time  I  consider  that  we  run  a 
great  risk  in  refusing  to  obey  it.     Only  observe,  in  the 


The  King's  Own  245 

preamble,  how  artfully  he  inserts  *  appearance  of  a 
conspiracy,  tending  to  bring  him  into  contempt;'  and 
again,  '  for  the  better  discipline  of  his  Majesty's  service, 
which  must  invariably  suffer  when  there  is  an  appearance 
of  want  of  cordiality  between  those  to  whom  the  men 
must  look  for  an  example.'  Upon  my  soul  he's  devilish 
clever.  I  do  believe  he'd  find  out  a  reason  for  drawing 
out  all  our  double  teeth,  if  he  was  inclined,  and  prove  it 
was  all  for  the  benefit  of  his  Majesty's  service.  Well  now, 
what's  to  be  done  ?  " 

*'  Why,  what's  your  opinion,  Roberts  ?  " 

"  Oh,  mine  is  to  go ;  and  if  you  will  act  with  me,  he 
won't  allow  us  to  dine  with  him  a  second  time." 

"Well,  then,  I  agree,"  replied  the  surgeon. 

"  And  so  must  I,  then,  I  presume ;  but,  by  heavens,  it's 
downright  tyranny  and  oppression." 

"  Never  mind,  listen  to  me.  Let's  all  go,  and  all  behave 
as  ill  as  we  can — be  as  unmannerly  as  bears — abuse  every- 
thing— be  as  familiar  as  possible,  and  laugh  in  his  face. 
He  cannot  touch  us  for  it,  if  we  do  not  go  too  far — and 
he'll  not  trouble  us  to  come  a  second  time." 

Their  plans  were  arranged ;  and  at  three  o'clock  they 
were  ushered  into  the  cabin,  with  one  of  the  midshipmen 
of  the  ship,  and  Jerry,  who,  as  a  stranger,  had  been 
honoured  with  an  invitation. 

Captain  Bradshaw,  whose  property  was  equal  to  his 
liberality,  piqued  himself  upon  keeping  a  good  table ; 
his  cook  was  an  artiste,  and  his  wines  were  of  the 
very  best  quality.  After  all,  there  was  no  great  hard- 
ship in  dining  with  him — but,  **  upon  compulsion ! " 
—No. 

The  officers  bowed.  The  captain,  satisfied  with  their 
obedience,  intended,  although  he  had  brought  them  there 
by  force,  to  do  the  honours  of  his  table  with  the  greatest 
urbanity. 

"  Roberts,"  said  he,  **  do  me  the  favour  to  take  the  foot 
of  the  table. — Doctor,  here's  a  chair  for  you. — Mr  Bradly, 
come  round  on  this  side.     Now,  then,  steward,  oiF  covers, 


246  The  King's  Own 

and  let  us  see  what  you  have  for  us.     Why,  youngster, 
does  your  captain  starve  you  ? " 

"No,  sir,"  replied  Jerry,  who  knew  what  was  going  on-, 
**  but  he  don't  give  me  a  dinner  every  day." 

"  Humph ! "  muttered  the  captain,  who  thought  Mr 
Jerry  very  free  upon  so  short  an  acquaintance. 

The  soup  was  handed  round;  the  first  spoonful  that 
Roberts  took  in  his  mouth,  he  threw  out  on  the  snow- 
white  deck,  crying  out,  as  soon  as  his  mouth  was  empty, 
"  O  Lord  !  " 

"Why,  what's  the  matter?"  inquired  the  captain. 

"So  cursed  hot,  I've  burnt  my  tongue." 

"  Oh,  that's  all !  steward,  wipe  up  that  mess,"  said  the 
captain,  who  was  rather  nice  in  his  eating. 

"Do  you  know  Jemmy  Cavan,  sir,  at  Barbadoes?" 
inquired  the  doctor. 

"No,  sir,  I  know  no  Jemmies,"  replied  Captain  Brad- 
shaw,  surprised  at  his  familiar  address. 

"  He's  a  devilish  good  fellow,  sir,  I  can  tell  you.  When 
he  gets  you  on  shore,  he'll  make  you  dine  with  him  every 
day,  whether  or  not.     He'll  take  no  denial." 

"  Now  that's  what  I  call  a  d — d  good  fellow :  you  don't 
often  meet  a  chap  like  him,"  observed  the  master. 

Captain  Bradshaw  felt  that  he  was  indirectly  called  a 
chap,  which  did  not  please  him. 

"  Mr  Bradly,  will  you  take  some  mutton  ?  " 

"  If  you  please,"  said  the  master. 

"  Roberts,  I'll  trouble  you  to  carve  the  saddle  of 
mutton." 

The  first  lieutenant  cut  out  a  slice,  and  taking  it  on 
the  fork,  looked  at  it  suspiciously,  and  then  held  his  nose 
over  it. 

"  Why,  what's  the  matter  ? " 

"  Rather  high,  sir,  I'm  afraid." 

"Oh,  I  smell  it  here,"  said  Jerry,  who  entered  into  the 
joke. 

"  Indeed !  steward,  remove  that  dish ;  fortunately  it  is 
not  all  our  dinner.     What  will  you  take,  Mr  Bradly  ? " 


The  King's  Own  247 

**  Why,  really,  I  seldom  touch  anything  but  the  joint. 
I  hate  your  kickshaws,  there's  so  much  pawing  about  them. 
I'll  wait,  if  you  please ;  in  the  meantime,  I'll  drink  a  glass 
of  wine  with  you,  Captain  Bradshaw." 

**  The  devil  you  will !  "  was  nearly  out  of  the  captain's 
mouth,  at  this  reversal  of  the  order  of  things ;  but  he 
swallowed  it  down,  and  answered,  in  a  surly  tone,  **  With 
great  pleasure,  sir." 

"  Come,  doctor,  let  you  and  I  hob  and  nob,"  said  the 
first  lieutenant.  They  did  so,  and  clicked  their  glasses 
together  with  such  force  as  to  break  them  both,  and  spill 
the  wine  upon  the  fine  damask  table-cloth.  Jerry  could 
contain  himself  no  longer,  but  burst  out  into  a  roar  of 
laughter,  to  the  astonishment  of  Captain  Bradshaw,  who 
never  had  seen  a  midshipman  thus  conduct  himself  at  his 
table  before :  but  Jerry  could  not  restrain  his  inclination 
for  joining  with  the  party,  although  he  had  no  excuse  for 
his  behaviour. 

"  Bring  some  wine-glasses,  steward ;  and  you'll  excuse 
me,  gentlemen,  but  I  will  thank  you  not  to  try  the  strength 
of  them  again,"  said  Captain  Bradshaw,  with  a  very 
majestic  air. 

"Now,  Mr  Ferguson,  I  shall  be  happy  to  take  a  glass 
of  wine  with  you.  What  will  you  have  ?  There's  sherry 
and  moselle." 

**I  prefer  champagne,  if  you  please,"  answered  the 
surgeon,  who  knew  that  Captain  Bradshaw  did  not  produce 
it,  except  when  strangers  were  at  the  table. 

Captain  Bradshaw  restrained  his  indignation,  and  ordered 
champagne  to  be  brought. 

"  I'll  join  you,"  cried  the  first  lieutenant,  shoving  in  his 
glass. 

"Come,  younker,  let  you  and  I  have  a  glass  cosy 
together,"  said  Jerry  to  the  midshipman,  who,  frightened 
at  what  was  going  on,  moved  his  chair  a  little  further  from 
Jerry,  and  then  looked,  first  at  him  and  then  at  the  captain. 

"  Oh,  pray  take  a  glass  with  the  young  gentleman," 
said  Captain  Bradshaw,  with  mock  politeness. 


248  The  King's  Own 

"Come,  steward,  none  of  your  half  allowance,  if  you 
please,"  continued  the  impertinent  Jerry.  "Now, 
then,  my  cock,  here's  towards  you,  and  'better  luck 
still.'" 

Captain  Bradshaw  was  astonished.  "  I  say,  youngster, 
did  Captain  M ever  flog  you  ?  " 

"  No,  sir,"  replied  Jerry,  demurely,  perceiving  that  he 
had  gone  too  far;  "he  always  treats  his  officers  like 
gentlemen." 

"  Then,  I  presume,  sir,  when  they  are  on  board  of  his 
ship,  that  they  conduct  themselves  as  gentlemen." 

This  hint  made  Jerry  dumb  for  some  time ;  the  officers, 
however,  continued  as  before.  The  surgeon  dropped  his 
plate,  full  of  damascene  tart,  on  the  deck.  The  first 
lieutenant  spilt  his  snufF  on  the  table-cloth,  and  laid  his 
snuff-box  on  the  table,  which  he  knew  to  be  the  captain's 
aversion ;  and  the  master  requested  a  glass  of  grog,  as 
the  rotgut  French  wines  had  given  him  a  pain  in  the 
bowels.  Captain  Bradshaw  could  hardly  retain  his  seat 
upon  the  chair,  upon  which  he  fidgetted  right  and  left. 
He  perceived  that  his  officers  were  behaving  in  a  very 
unusual  manner,  and  that  it  was  with  a  view  to  his 
annoyance :  yet  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  take  notice 
of  breaking  glasses,  and  finding  fault  with  the  cookery, 
which  they  took  care  to  do,  sending  their  plates  away 
before  they  had  eaten  a  mouthful,  with  apparent  disgust ; 
neither  could  he  demand  a  court-martial  for  awkwardness 
or  want  of  good  manners  at  his  own  table.  He  began  to 
think  that  he  had  better  have  left  out  the  ^^  every  day  until 
further  orders^''  in  the  memorandum,  as  rescinding  it  im- 
mediately would  have  been  an  acknowledgment  of  their 
having  gained  the  victory;  and  as  to  their  going  on  in 
this  way,  to  put  up  with  it  was  impossible. 

The  dinner  was  over,  and  the  dessert  placed  on  the 
table.  Captain  Bradshaw  passed  the  bottles  round,  helping 
himself  to  Madeira.  Roberts  took  claret,  and  as  soon  as 
he  had  tasted  it,  "I  beg  your  pardon.  Captain  Bradshaw," 
said  he,  "  but  this  wine  is  corked." 


The  King's  Own  249 

"  Indeed  ! — take  it  away,  steward,  and  bring  another 
bottle." 

Another  was  put  on  the  table. 

"  I  hope  you'll  find  that  better,  Mr  Roberts,"  said  the 
captain,  who  really  thought  that  what  he  stated  had  been 
the  case. 

**  Yes,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant ;  "for  the  description 
of  wine,  it's  well  enough." 

"  What  do  you  mean,  sir  ?  Why,  it's  Chateau  Margot, 
of  the  first  growth." 

"  Excuse  me,  sir,"  replied  the  officer,  with  an  incredulous 
smile  ;  "  they  must  have  imposed  upon  you." 

Captain  Bradshaw,  who  was  an  excellent  judge  of  wine, 
called  for  a  glass,  and  pouring  out  the  claret,  tasted  it. 
"  I  must  differ  from  you,  sir ;  and,  moreover,  I  have  no 
better." 

**  Then  I'll  trouble  you  to  pass  the  port,  doctor,  for  I 
really  cannot  drink  that  stuff." 

"  Do  you  drink  port,  Mr  Bradly  ? "  said  the  captain, 
with  a  countenance  as  black  as  a  thunder-cloud. 

"  No,  not  to-day  ;  I  am  not  well  in  my  inside :  but  I'll 
punish  the  port  to-morrow." 

"  So  will  I,"  said  the  surgeon. 

"  And  as  I  am  not  among  the  privileged y^  added  Jerry, 
who  had  already  forgotten  the  hint,  "  I'll  take  my  whack 
to-day." 

"Perhaps  you  may,"  observed  the  captain,  drily. 

The  officers  now  began  to  be  very  noisy,  arguing  among 
themselves  upon  points  of  service,  and  taking  no  notice 
whatever  of  the  captain.  The  master,  in  explanation, 
drew  a  chart,  with  wine,  upon  the  polished  table,  while 
the  first  lieutenant  defended  his  opinion  with  pieces  of 
biscuit,  laid  at  different  positions — during  which  two  more 
glasses  were  demolished. 

The  captain  rang,  and  ordered  coffee  in  an  angry  tone. 
When  the  officers  had  taken  it,  he  bowed  stiffiy,  and 
wished  them  good  evening. 

There  was  one  dish  which  was  an  object  of  abhorrence 


250  The  King's  Own 

to  Captain  Bradshaw.  The  first  lieutenant,  aware  of  it, 
as  they  rose  to  depart,  said,  "Captain  Bradshaw,  if  it's 
not  too  great  a  liberty,  we  should  like  to  have  some  tripe, 
to-morrow.     We  are  all  three  very  partial  to  it." 

**  So  am  I,"  rejoined  Jerry. 

Captain  Bradshaw  could  hold  out  no  longer.  "  Leave 
the  cabin  immediately,  gentlemen.  By  heavens,  you  shall 
never  put  your  legs  under  my  table  again." 

"  Are  we  not  to  dine  here  to-morrow,  sir  ? "  replied  the 
first  lieutenant,  with  affected  surprise ;  **  the  order  says, 

*  every  day.' " 

"Till  further  orders,"  roared  the  captain;  "and  now 

you  have  them,  for  I'll  be  d d  if  ever  you  dine  with 

me  again." 

The  officers  took  their  departure,  restraining  their  mirth 
until  they  gained  the  gun-room;  and  Jerry  was  about 
to  follow,  when  Captain  Bradshaw  caught  him  by  the 
arm. 

"  Stop,   my   young   gentleman,    you've   not   had   your 

*  whack '  yet." 

"  I've  had  quite  sufficient,  sir,  I  thank  you,"  replied 
Jerry  ;  "an  excellent  dinner — many  thanks  to  your 
hospitality." 

"  Yes,  but  I  must  now  give  you  your  dessert." 

"  I've  had  my  dessert  and  coffee  too,  sir,"  said  Jerry, 
trying  to  escape. 

"  But  you  have  not  had  your  chasse-cafe,  and  I  cannot 
permit  you  to  leave  the  cabin  without  it.  Steward,  desire 
a  boatswain's  mate  to  bring  his  cat,  and  a  quarter-master  to 
come  here  with  seizings." 

Jerry  was  now  in  a  stew — the  inflexible  countenance  of 
Captain  Bradshaw  showed  that  he  was  in  earnest.  How- 
ever, he  held  his  tongue  until  the  operators  appeared, 
hoping  that  the  captain  would  think  better  of  it, 

"  Seize  this  young  gentleman  up  to  the  breach  of  the 
gun,  quarter-master  !  " 

"  Will  you  oblige  me,  sir,  by  letting  me  know  my 
offence  ? " 


The  King^s  Own  251 

«  No,  sir." 

**  I  do  not  belong  to  your  ship,"  continued  Jerry.     **  If 

I  have  done  wrong,  Captain  M is  well  known  to  be  a 

strict  officer,  and  will  pay  every  attention  to  your  com- 
plaint." 

"  I  will  save  him  the  trouble,  sir." 

Jerry  was  now  seized  up,  and  every  arrangement  made 
preparatory  to  punishment.  "  Well,  sir,"  resumed  Jerry, 
**  it  must  be  as  you  please ;  but  I  know  what  Captain 
M will  say." 

"What,  sir?" 

"  That  you  were  angry  with  your  officers,  whom  you 
could  not  punish,  and  revenged  yourself  upon  a  poor  boy." 

*•  Would  he  ? — Boatswain's  mate,  where's  your  cat  ?  " 

**  Here,  sir  ; — how  many  tails  am  I  to  use  ?  " 

**  Oh,  give  him  the  whole  nine." 

"Why,  your  honour,"  replied  the  man,  in  a  com- 
passionate tone,  "  there's  hardly  room  for  them  there." 

Jerry,  who,  when  his  indignation  was  roused,  carea 
little  what  he  said,  and  defied  consequences,  now  addressed 
the  captain. 

"Captain  Bradshaw,  before  you  commence,  will  you  allow 
me  to  tell  you  what  I  will  call  you  after  the  first  lash  ? " 

"  What,  sir  .?  " 

"  What !  "  cried  Jerry  with  scorn, — "  Why,  if  you  cut 
me  to  pieces,  and  turn  me  out  of  the  service  afterwards,  I 
will  call  you  a  paltry  coward,  and  your  own  conscience, 
when  you  are  able  to  reflect,  will  tell  you  the  same." 

Captain  Bradshaw  started  back  with  astonishment  at 
such  unheard-of  language  from  a  midshipman ;  but  he  was 
pleased  with  the  undaunted  spirit  of  the  boy — perhaps  he 
felt  the  truth  of  the  observation.  At  all  events,  it  saved 
Jerry.     After  a  short  pause,  the  captain  said — 

"  Cast  him  loose ;  but  observe,  sir,  never  let  me  see 
your  face  again  while  you  are  in  the  ship  !  " 

"  No,  nor  any  other  part  of  me,  if  I  can  help  it,"  replied 
Jerry,  buttoning  up  his  clothes,  and  making  a  precipitate 
escape  by  the  cabin-door. 


2J2  The  King's  Own 


Chapter    XXXV 

} 


The  air  no  more  was  vital  now, 
But  did  a  mortal  poison  grow. 
The  lungs,  which  used  to  fan  the  heart, 
Served  only  now  to  fire  each  part ; 
What  should  refresh,  increased  the  smart. 
And  now  their  very  breath, 
The  chiefest  sign  of  life,  became  the  cause  of  death  I  " 

Sprat,  Bishop  of  Rochester, 


The  Aspasia  did  not  drop  her  anchor  In  Carlisle  Bay.  until 
three  weeks  after  the  arrival  of  the  frigate  which  brought 
up  Courtenay  and  the  prize  crew ;  but  she  had  not  been 
idle,  having  three  valuable  prizes,  which  she  had  captured 
in  company.     Courtenay  immediately  repaired  on  board  of 

his   ship,  to  report  to  Captain  M the  circumstances 

which  had  occurred  connected  with  the  loss  of  his  five  men. 

He  was  too  honourable  to  attempt  to  disguise  or  palliate 
the  facts  :  on  the  contrary,  he  laid  all  the  blame  upon 
himself,  and  enhanced  the  merits  of  the  two  midshipmen. 

Captain  M ,  who  admired  his  ingenuous  confession, 

contented  himself  with  observing,  that  he  trusted  it  would 
be  a  caution  to  him  during  his  future  career  in  the  service. 
To  Seymour  and  Jerry  he  said  nothing,  as  he  was  afraid  that 
the  latter  would  presume  upon  commendation;  but  he 
treasured  up  their  conduct  in  his  memory,  and  determined 
to  lose  no  opportunity  that  might  offer  to  reward  them. 

Courtenay  descended  to  the  gun-room,  where  he  was 
warmly  greeted  by  his  messmates,  who  crowded  round 
him  to  listen  to  his  detail  of  the  attempt  to  re-capture. 

"  Well,"  observed  Price,  "  it  appears  we  have  had  a 
narrow  chance  of  losing  a  messmate." 

"  Narrow  chance  lose  two,  sar,"  replied  Billy  Pitts  ; 
"  you  forgit,  sar,  I  on  board  schooner  !  " 

"  Oh,  Billy,  are  you  there  ?  How  does  the  dictionary 
come  on  1 " 

'*  Come  on  well,  sar ;  I  made  a  corundum  on  Massa 
Doctor,  when  on  board  schooner." 


The  King's  Own  253 

"  Made  a  what  ? — a  corundum  !     What  can  that  be  ?  " 

"It  ought  to  be  something  devilish  hard,"  observed 
Courtenay. 

"  Yes,  sar,  debblish  hard  find  out.  Now,  sar, — Why 
Massa  Macallan  like  a  general  ? " 

"  I'm  sure  I  can't  tell.     We  give  it  up,  Billy." 

"Then,  sar,  I  tell  you.     Because  \iQfeelossiferP 

"  Bravo,  Billy  ! — Why  you'll  write  a  book  soon.  By- 
the-bye,  Macallan,  I  must  not  forget  to  thank  you  for 
the  loan  of  that  gentleman :  he  has  made  himself  very 
useful,  and  behaved  very  well." 

"Really,  Massa  Courtenay,  I  tought  I  not  give  you 
satisfaction." 

"Why  so,  Billy?" 

"Because,  sar,  you  nebber  give  me  present — not  one 
dollar." 

"  He  has  you  there,"  said  Price ;  "  you  must  fork  out." 

"  Not  a  rap — the  nigger  had  perquisites.  I  saw  the 
English  merchants  give  him  a  handful  of  dollars,  before 
they  left  the  vessel." 

"  Ah  !  they  real  gentlemen,  Massa  Capon  and  Massa 
^lam  'um  name — I  forgot." 

"  And  what  am  I,  then,  you  black  thief?" 

"  Oh !  you,  sar,  you  very  fine  officer,"  replied  Billy, 
quitting  the  gun-room. 

Courtenay  did  not  exactly  like  the  answer — but  there 
was  nothing  to  lay  hold  of.  As  usual,  when  displeased, 
he  referred  to  his  snufF-box,  muttering  something,  in 
which  the  word  "  annoying  "  could  only  be  distinguished. 

The  breeze  from  the  windsail  blew  some  of  the  snuff 
out  of  the  box  into  the  eyes  of  Macallan. 

"  I  wish  to  Heaven  you  would  be  more  careful, 
Courtenay,"  cried  the  surgeon,  in  an  angry  tone,  and 
stamping  with  the  pain. 

"  I  really  beg  your  pardon,"  replied  Courtenay,  "  snuff- 
ing's  a  vile  habit, — I  wish  I  could  leave  it  off." 

"So  do  your  messmates,"  replied  the  surgeon;  "I 
cannot  imagine  what  pleasure  there  can  be  in  a  practice 


254  '^^^  King's  Own 

in  itself  so  nasty,  independent  of  the  destruction  of  the 
olfactory  powers." 

"It's  exactly  for  that  reason  that  I  take  snufF;  I  am 
convinced  that  I  am  a  gainer  by  the  loss  of  the  power 
of  smell." 

"  I  consider  it  ungrateful,  if  not  wicked,  to  say  so," 
replied  the  surgeon,  gravely.  "  The  senses  were  given 
to  us  as  a  source  of  enjoyment." 

"True,  doctor,"  answered  Courtenay,  mimicking  the 
language  of  Macallan ;  "  and  if  I  were  a  savage  in  the 
woods,  there  could  not  be  a  sense  more  valuable,  or 
affording  so  much  gratification,  as  the  one  in  question. 
I  should  rise  with  the  sun,  and  inhale  the  fragance  of  the 
shrubs  and  flowers,  offered  up  in  grateful  incense  to 
their  Creator,  and  I  should  stretch  myself  under  the 
branches  of  the  forest  tree,  as  evening  closed,  and  enjoy 
the  faint  perfume  with  which  they  wooed  the  descending 
moisture  after  exhaustion  from  the  solar  heat.  But  in 
civilised  society,  where  men  and  things  are  packed  too 
closely  together,  the  case  is  widely  different :  for  one 
pleasant,  you  encounter  twenty  offensive  smells  ;  and  of 
all  the  localities  for  villanous  compounds,  a  ship  is  in- 
dubitably the  worst.  I  therefore  patronise  *  baccy,'  which, 
I  presume,  was  intended  for  our  use,  or  it  would  not 
have  been  created." 

"  But  not  for  our  abuse." 

"  Ah  !  there's  the  rock  that  we  all  split  upon — and  I, 
with  others,  must  plead  guilty.  The  greatest  difficulty 
in  this  world  is,  to  know  when  and  where  to  stop.  Even 
a  philosopher  like  yourself  cannot  do  it.  You  allow  your 
hypothesis  to  whirl  in  your  brain,  until  it  forms  a  vortex 
which  swallows  up  everything  that  comes  within  its  influ- 
ence. A  modern  philosopher,  with  his  hypothesis,  is 
like  the  man  possessed  with  a  devil  in  times  of  yore ;  and 
it  is  not  to  be  cast  out  by  any  means  that  I  know  of." 

"  As  you  please,"  replied  Macallan,  laughing ;  "  I  only 
deprecated  a  bad  habit." 

"  An  hypothesis  is  only  a  habit, — a  habit  of  looking 


The  King's  Own  255 

through  a  glass  of  one  peculiar  colour,  which  imparts  its 
hue  to  all  around  it.  We  are  but  creatures  of  habit. 
Luxury  is  nothing  more  than  contracting  fresh  habits, 
and  having  the  means  of  administering  to  them — ergOy 
doctor,  the  more  habits  you  have  to  gratify,  the  more 
luxuries  you  possess.  You  luxuriate  in  the  contempla- 
tion of  nature — Price  in  quoting,  or  trying  to  quote, 
Shakespeare — Billy  Pitts  in  his  dictionary — I  in  my  snuff- 
box ;  and  surely  we  may  all  continue  to  enjoy  our  harmless 
propensities,  without  interfering  with  each  other :  although 
I  must  say,  that  those  still-born  quotations  of  our  mess- 
mate Price  are  most  tryingly  annoying." 

"  And  so  is  a  pinch  of  snuff  in  the  eye,  I  can  assure 
you,"  replied  Macallan. 

**  Granted  ;  but  we  must  '  give  and  take,'  doctor." 

"  In  the  present  case,  I  don't  care  how  much  you  take, 
provided  you  don't  give,"  rejoined  Macallan,  recovering 
his  good  humour. 

A   messenger  from   Captain   M ,  who   desired   to 

speak  with  Macallan,  put  an  end  to  the  conversation. 

**  Mr  Macallan,"  said  Captain  M ,  when  the  surgeon 

came  into  the  cabin  to  receive  his  commands,  "I  am 
sorry  to  find,  from  letters  which  I  have  received,  that 
the  yellow  fever  is  raging  in  the  other  islands  in  a  most 
alarming  manner,  and  that  it  has  been  communicated  to 
the  squadron  on  the  station.  I  am  sorry  to  add,  that  I 
have  received  a  letter  from  the  governor  here,  informing 
me  that  it  has  made  its  appearance  at  the  barracks.  I 
am  afraid  that  we  have  little  chance  of  escaping  so  general 
a  visitation.  As  it  is  impossible  to  put  to  sea,  even  if 
my  orders  were  not  decisive  to  the  contrary,  are  there 
not  some  precautions  which  ought  to  be  taken  ? " 

**  Certainly,  sir.  It  will  be  prudent  to  fumigate  the 
lower  deck ,  it  has  already  been  so  well  ventilated  and 
whitewashed,  that  nothing  else  can  be  done ;  we  must 
hope  for  the  best." 

**I  do  so,"  replied  Captain  M ;  "but  my  hope  is 

mingled    with    anxious    apprehensions,   which   I    cannot 


256  The  King's  Own 

control.  We  must  do  all  we  can,  and  leave  the  rest  to 
Providence." 

The  fears  of  Captain  M were  but  too  well  grounded. 

For  some  days,  no  symptoms  of  infection  appeared  on 
board  of  the  Aspasia;  but  the  ravages  on  shore,  among 
the  troops,  were  to  such  an  extent,  that  the  hospitals  were 
filled,  and  those  who  were  carried  in  might  truly  be  said 
to  have  left  hope  behind.  Rapid  as  was  the  mortality,  it 
was  still  not  rapid  enough  for  the  admittance  of  those  who 
were  attacked  with  the  fatal  disease  ;  and  as  the  bodies  of 
fifteen  or  twenty  were,  each  succeeding  evening,  borne 
unto  the  grave,  the  continual  decrease  of  the  military 
cortege  which  attended  the  last  obsequies,  told  the  sad 
tale,  that  those  who,  but  a  day  or  two  before,  had 
followed  the  corpses  of  others,  were  now  carried  on  their 
own  biers. 

Other  vessels  on  the  station,  which  had  put  to  sea  from 
the  different  isles,  with  the  disappointed  expectation 
of  avoiding  the  contagion,  now  came  to  an  anchor  in  the 
bay,  their  crews  so  weakened  by  disease  and  death  that 
they  could  with  difficulty  send  up  sufficient  men  to  furl 
their  sails.  Boat  after  boat  was  sent  on  shore  to  the  naval 
hospital,  loaded  with  sufferers,  until  it  became  so  crowded 
that  no  more  could  be  received.  Still  the  Aspasia,  from 
the  precautions  which  had  been  taken,  in  fumigating,  and 
avoiding  all  unnecessary  contact  with  the  shipping  and  the 
shore,  had  for  nearly  a  fortnight  escaped  the  infection ; 
but  the  miasma  was  at  last  wafted  to  the  frigate,  and  in 
the  course  of  one  night,  fifteen  men,  who  were  in  health 
the  preceding  evening,  before  eight  o'clock  on  the 
following  morning  were  lying  in  their  hammocks  under 
the  half-deck.  Before  the  close  of  that  day,  the  number 
of  patients   had   increased   to    upwards   of  forty.      The 

hospitals  were  so  crowded  that   Captain  M agreed 

with  Macallan  that  it  would  be  better  that  the  men  should 
remain  on  board. 

The  frigate  was  anchored  with  springs  on  her  cable,  so 
as  always  to  be  able  to  warp  her  stern  to  the  breeze  ;  the 


The  King's  Own  257 

cabin  bulk-heads  on  the  main-deck,  and  the  thwart-ship 
bulk-heads  below,  were  removed,  and  the  stern  windows 
and  ports  thrown  open,  to  admit  a  freer  circulation  of  air 
than  could  have  been  obtained  by  riding  with  her  head 
to  the  sullen  breeze,  which  hardly  deigned  to  fan  the 
scorching  cheeks  of  the  numerous  and  exhausted  patients. 
The  numbers  on  the  list  daily  increased,  until  every  part 
of  the  ship  was  occupied  with  their  hammocks,  and  the 
surgeon  and  his  assistants  had  scarcely  time  to  relieve  one 
by  excessive  bleeding,  and  consign  him  to  his  hammock, 
before  another,  staggering  and  fainting  under  the  rapid 
disease,  presented  himself  with  his  arm  bared,  ready  for 
the  lancet.  More  blood  was  thrown  into  the  stagnant 
water  of  the  bay  than  would  have  sufficed  to  render  ever 
verdant  the  laurels  of  many  a  well-fought  action  (for  our 
laurels  flourish  not  from  the  dew  of  Heaven,  but  must  be 
watered  with  a  sanguine  stream) — and,  alas,  too  soon, 
more  bodies  were  consigned  to  the  deep  than  would 
have  been  demanded  from  the  frigate  in  the  warmest 
proof  of  courage  and  perseverance  in  her  country's  cause. 

It  is  a  scene  like  this  which  appals  the  sailor's  heart. 
It  is  not  the  range  of  hammocks  on  the  main-deck, 
tenanted  by  pale  forms,  with  their  bandages  steeped 
in  gore ;  for  such  is  the  chance  of  war,  and  the  blood  has 
flowed  from  hearts  boiling  with  ardour  and  devotion.  If 
not  past  cure,  the  smiles  and  congratulations  of  their  ship- 
mates alleviate  the  anguish  and  fever  of  the  wound :  if 
past  all  medical  relief,  still  the  passage  from  this  transitory 
world  is  soothed  by  the  affectionate  sympathy  of  their 
messmates,  by  the  promise  to  execute  their  last  wishes,  by 
the  knowledge  that  it  was  in  their  country's  defence  they 
nobly  fell.  'Tis  not  the  chance  of  wreck,  or  of  being 
consigned,  unshrouded,  to  the  dark  wave,  by  the 
treacherous  leak,  or  overwhelming  fury  of  the  storm. 
'Tis  not  the  "  thought-executing  fire."  Every  and  all  of 
these  they  are  prepared  and  are  resigned  to  meet,  as  ills  to 
which  their  devious  track  is  heir.  But  when  disease,  in  its 
most   loathsome   form   and  implacable  nature,  makes   its 

K.      I.  R 


258  The  King's  Own 

appearance — when  we  contemplate,  in  perspective,  our 
own  fate  in  the  unfortunate  who  is  selected,  like  the 
struggling  sheep,  dragged  from  the  hurdled  crowd,  to 
be  pierced  by  the  knife  of  the  butcher — when  the  horror 
of  infection  becomes  so  strong  that  we  hold  aloof  from 
administering  the  kind  offices  of  relief  to  our  dearest 
friends ;  and,  eventually  prostrated  ourselves,  find  the 
same  regard  for  self  pervades  the  rest,  and  that  there  is  no 
voluntary  attendance  —  then  the  sight  of  the  expiring 
wretch,  in  his  last  effort,  turning  his  head  over  the  side  of 
his  hammock,  and  throwing  off  the  dreadful  black  vomit, 
harbinger  of  his  doom — 'tis  horrible  !  too  horrible  ! 

And  the  anxiety  which  we  would  in  vain  suppress — the 
reckless  laugh  of  some,  raised  but  to  conceal  their  fear 
from  human  penetration — the  intoxicating  draught,  poured 
down  by  others  to  dull  the  excited  senses — the  follies  of 
years  reviewed  in  one  short  minute — our  life,  how  spent, 
— how  much  to  answer  for  ! — a  world  how  overvalued — a 
God  how  much  neglected  ! — the  feeling  that  we  ought  to 
pray,  the  inclination  that  propels  us  to  do  so,  checked  by 
the  mistaken  yet  indomitable  pride  which  puts  the  question 
to  our  manhood,  "  Will  ye  pray  in  fear,  when  ye  neglected 
it  in  fancied  security  ? "  Down,  stubborn  knees  !  Pride 
is  but  folly  towards  men — insanity  towards  God  ! 

But  why  dwell  upon  such  a  scene  ?  Let  it  suffice  to 
state,  that  seventy  of  the  Aspasia^s  men  fell  victims  to  the 
baneful  climate,  and  that  many  more,  who  did  recover, 
were  left  in  such  a  state  of  exhaustion,  as  to  require  their 
immediate  return  to  their  native  shores.  Except  O'Keefe, 
the  purser,  all  the  officers  whom  I  have  introduced  to  the 
reader  escaped.  Three,  from  the  midshipmen's  berth, 
who  had  served  their  time,  and  who  for  many  months 
had  been  drinking  the  toast  of  "  A  bloody  war  and  sickly 
season,"  fell  a  sacrifice  to  their  own  thoughtless  and 
selfish  desire  ;  and  the  clerk,  who  anticipated  promotion 
when  he  heard  that  the  purser  was  attacked,  died  before 
him. 

When  all  was  over,  Jerry  observed  to  Prose,  **  Well, 


The  King's  Own  259 

Prose,  *  it's  an  ill  wind  that  blows  nobody  any  good.'  We 
have  had  not  one  single  thrashing  during  the  sickness ; 
but  I  suppose,  now  that  their  courage  is  returned,  we 
must  prepare  for  both  principal  and  interest." 

"  Well  now,  Jerry,  I  do  declare  that's  very  likely,  but 
I  never  thought  of  it  before." 

The  large  convoys  of  merchantmen  that  came  out, 
supplied  the  men  that  were  required  to  man  the  disabled 
ships  ;  and  transports  brought  out  cargoes  from  the  depots 
to  fill  up  the  skeleton  ranks  of  the  different  companies. 
Among  the  various  blessings  left  us  in  this  life  of  suffering, 
is  forgetfulness  of  past  evils ;  and  the  yellow  fever  was 
in  a  short  time  no  longer  the  theme  of  dread,  or  even  of 
conversation. 

"  Well,  Tom,  what  sort  of  a  place  is  this  here  West 
Hinges  ?  "  inquired  a  soldier,  who  had  been  just  landed 
from  a  transport,  to  an  old  acquaintance  in  the  regiment, 
whom  he  encountered. 

**  Capital  place,  Bill,"  returned  the  other  to  his  inter- 
rogation 5  "  plenty  to  drink,  and  always  a-dry." 

But  as  I  do  not  wish  to  swell  my  narrative,  and  have 
no  doubt  but  the  reader  will  be  glad  to  leave  this 
pestilential  climate,  I  shall  inform  him,  that  for  three  years 
the  Aspasia  continued  on  the  station,  daily  encountering 
the  usual  risks  of  battle,  fire,  and  wreck ;  and  that  at  the 

end  of  that  period  the  health  of  Captain  M was  so 

much  injured,  by  the  climate  and  his  own  exertions,  that 
he  requested  permission  to  quit  the  station. 


Chapter   XXXVI 

Sir  Bash,  This  idol  of  my  heart  is — my  own  wife ! 

Love.  Your  own  wife  ? 

Sir  Bash,  Yes,  my  own  wife.     'Tis  all  over  with  me :  I  am  undone. 

The  Way  to  keep  Him. 

**  Show  us  something  new."     Such  was  the  cry  of  men 
at  the  time  of  the  Prophet,  and  such  it  will  continue  until 


26o  The  King's  Own 

all  prophecies  are  accomplished,  all  revelations  confirmed. 
Man  is  constant  in  nought  but  inconsistency.  He  is 
directed  to  take  pattern  from  the  industrious  bee,  and 
lay  up  the  sweet  treasures  which  have  been  prepared 
for  his  use  ;  but  he  prefers  the  giddy  flight  of  the  butter- 
fly, pursuing  his  idle  career  from  flower  to  flower,  until, 
fatigued  with  the  rapidity  of  his  motions,  he  reposes  for 
a  time,  and  revolves  in  his  mind  where  he  shall  bend  his 
devious  way  in  search  of  **  something  new." 

This  is  the  fatal  propensity  by  which  our  first  parents 
fell,  and  which,  inherited  by  us,  is  the  occasion  of  our 
follies  and  our  crimes.  "  "Were  man  but  constant,  he 
were  perfect ; "  but  that  he  cannot  be.  He  is  aware  of 
the  dangers,  the  hardships  of  travel — of  the  difference 
between  offices  performed  by  an  interested  and  heartless 
world,  and  the  sweet  ministering  of  duty  and  affection. 
He  feels  that  home,  sweet  home,  is  the  heaven  of  such 
imperfect  bliss  as  this  world  can  bestow ;  yet,  wander  he 
must,  that  he  may  appreciate  its  value :  and  although  he 
hails  it  with  rapture,  soon  after  his  return  it  palls  upon 
him,  and  he  quits  it  again  in  search  of  variety.  Thus 
is  man  convinced  of  the  beauty  of  Virtue,  and  acknow- 
ledges the  peace  that  is  to  be  found  in  her  abode;  yet, 
propelled  by  the  restless  legacy  of  our  first  parents,  he 
wanders  into  the  entangled  labyrinths  of  vice — until, 
satisfied  that  all  is  vexation,  he  retraces  his  steps  in 
repentance  and  disgust.  Thus  he  passes  his  existence  in 
sinning,  repenting,  and  sinning  again,  in  search  of  "  some- 
thing new." 

When  Mr  Rainscourt  was  first  separated  from  his  wife, 
he  felt  himself  released  from  a  heavy  burthen,  which  had 
oppressed  him  for  years ;  or  as  if  fetters,  which  had 
been  long  riveted,  had  been  knocked  off;  and  he 
congratulated  himself  upon  his  regained  liberty.  Plunging 
at  once  into  the  depths  of  vice  and  dissipation,  he  sought 
pleasure  after  pleasure,  variety  upon  variety, — all  that 
life  could  offer,  or  money  purchase :  and  for  a  time 
thought  himself  happy.     But  there  are  drawbacks  which 


The  King's  Own  261 

cannot  be  surmounted ;  and  he  who  wholly  associates 
with  the  vicious,  must,  more  than  any  other,  be  exposed 
to  the  effects  of  depravity.  He  found  man  more 
than  ever  treacherous  and  ungrateful — woman  more  than 
ever  deceiving  —  indulgence,  cloying  —  debauchery, 
enervating — and  his  constitution  and  his  spirits  exhausted 
by  excess.  Satiated  with  everything,  disgusted  with 
everybody,  he  sought  for  "  something  new." 

For  more  than  two  years  he  had  not  seen,  and  had 
hardly  bestowed  a  thought  upon,  his  wife  and  daughter, 

who  still  continued  to  reside  at  the  mansion  at .     Not 

knowing  what  to  do  with  himself,  it  occurred  to  him  that 
the  country  air  might  recruit  his  health;  and  he  felt  a 
degree  of  interest,  if  not  for  his  wife,  at  least  for  his 
daughter.  He  determined,  therefore,  to  pay  them  a  visit. 
The  horses  were  ordered:  and,  to  the  astonishment  of 
Mrs  Rainscourt,  to  whom  he  had  given  no  intimation  of 
his  whim,  and  who  looked  upon  a  visit  from  her  husband, 
in  her  retirement,  as  a  visionary  idea,  Rainscourt  made  his 
appearance,  just  as  she  was  about  to  sit  down  to  dinner, 
in  company  with  the  M'Elvinas,  and  the  vicar,  who  had 
become  one  of  her  most  intimate  associates. 

If  Rainscourt  was  pleased  with  the  improvement  of 
Emily,  who  was  now  more  than  fourteen  years  old,  how 
much  more  was  he  astonished  at  the  appearance  of  his 
wife,  who,  to  his  eyes,  seemed  even  handsomer,  if  possible, 
than  on  the  day  when  he  had  led  her  to  the  altar.  For 
more  than  two  years,  content,  if  not  perfect  happiness, 
had  been  Mrs  Rainscourt's  lot.  She  had  recovered  her 
health,  her  bloom,  and  her  spirits,  and  not  having  had 
any  source  of  irritation,  her  serenity  of  temper  had  been 
regained ;  and  Mrs  Rainscourt,  to  whose  extreme  beauty, 
from  assuetude,  he  had  before  been  blind,  now  appeared 
to  him,  after  so  long  an  absence,  quite  a  different  person 
from  the  one  whom  he  had  quitted  with  such  indifference ; 
and  as  he  surveyed  her,  he  seemed  to  feel  that  freshness 
of  delight  unknown  to  vitiated  minds,  except  when  suc- 
cessful in  their  search  after  "  something  new." 


i62  The  King's  Own 

But  Rainscourt  was  not  altogether  wrong  in  his  idea 
that  his  wife  was  quite  a  different  personage  from  the 
one  which  he  had  quitted.  The  vicar,  who  was  acquainted 
with  her  situation,  had  not  failed  in  his  constant  exertions 
for  the  improvement  of  mankind;  he  had,  by  frequent 
conversation,  and  inculcation  of  our  Christian  duties, 
gradually  softened  her  into  a  charitable  and  forgiving 
temper  ;  and,  now  that  she  had  no  opportunity  of  exercis- 
ing them,  she  had  been  made  acquainted  with  the  passive 
forbearance  and  humility  constituting  a  part  of  the  duties 
of  a  wife. 

She  met  her  husband  with  kindness  and  respect — while 
his  daughter,  who  flew  into  his  arms,  proved  that  she 
had  not  been  prepossessed  against  him,  as  he  anticipated. 

Pleased  with  his  reception,  and  with  the  company  that 
he  happened  to  meet,  Rainscourt  experienced  sensations 
which  had  long  been  dormant ;  and  it  occurred  to  him, 
that  an  establishment,  with  such  an  elegant  woman  as 
Mrs  Rainscourt  at  the  head,  and  his  daughter's  beauty 
to  grace  it,  would  not  only  be  more  gratifying,  but  more 
reputable,  than  the  course  of  life  which  he  had  lately 
pursued.  He  made  himself  excessively  agreeable — was 
pleased  with  the  benevolent  demeanour  of  the  vicar — 
thought  Susan  a  lovely  young  woman,  and  M'Elvina  a 
delightful  companion ;  and,  when  he  retired  to  the 
chamber  prepared  for  his  reception,  wondered  that  he 
had  never  thought  of  paying  them  a  visit  before. 

It  had  been  the  intention  of  Rainscourt  to  have  trespassed 
upon  his  wife's  hospitality  for  one  night  only,  and  then 
have  taken  his  departure  for  some  fashionable  watering- 
place  ;  but  there  seemed  to  be  such  an  appearance  of 
renewed  friendship  between  him  and  Mrs  Rainscourt, 
that  an  invitation  was  given  by  the  vicar,  for  the  whole 
party,  on  the  ensuing  day,  to  meet  at  the  vicarage ;  and 
this  was  followed  up  by  another  from  M'Elvina,  for  the 
day  afterwards,  at  his  cottage.  This  decided  Mr  Rains- 
court to  remain  there  a  day  or  two  longer. 

But  when  the  time  of  his  departure  arrived,  Rainscourt 


The  King's  Own  26^ 

was  so  pleased  "with  his  new  acquaintance,  so  delighted 
with  his  daughter,  and,  to  his  astonishment,  so  charmed 
by  his  wife,  that  he  could  not  tear  himself  away. 

Women  are  proverbially  sharp-sighted  in  all  where  the 
heart  is  concerned,  and  Mrs  Rainscourt  soon  perceived 
that  the  admiration  of  her  husband  was  not  feigned. 
Gratified  to  find  that  she  had  not  yet  lost  her  attractions, 
and,  either  from  a  pardonable  feeling  of  revenge  at  his 
desertion,  or  to  prove  to  him  that  he  was  not  aware  of 
what  he  had  rejected,  she  exerted  all  her  powers  to  please ; 
she  was  not  only  amiable,  but  fascinating ;  and  after  a 
sojourn  of  three  weeks,  which  appeared  but  as  many  days, 
Rainscourt  was  reluctantly  compelled  to  acknowledge  to 
himself,  that  he  was  violently  enamoured  of  his  discarded 
wife. 

He  now  felt  that  he  should  assume  a  higher  station  in 
society  by  being  at  the  head  of  his  own  establishment, 
and  that  his  consequence  would  be  increased,  by  the 
heiress  of  so  large  a  property  residing  under  his  protec- 
tion ;  and  he  thought  that,  if  he  could  persuade  Mrs 
Rainscourt  to  live  with  him  again,  he  could  be  happy, 
and  exercise  with  pleasure  the  duties  of  a  father  and  a 
husband.  Neither  the  vicar  nor  M'Elvina  were  ignorant 
of  his  feelings  ;  and  the  former,  who  recollected  that 
those  whom  God  has  joined,  no  man  should  put  asunder, 
had  made  up  his  mind  to  bring  the  affair,  if  possible,  to 
a  happy  issue  y  and  Rainscourt,  who  perceived  the  influence 
which  the  vicar  possessed  over  his  wife,  determined  to 
request  that  he  would  act  as  a  mediator. 

The  vicar  was  delighted  when  Rainscourt  called  upon 
him  one  morning,  and  unfolded  his  wishes.  To  reconcile 
those  who  had  been  at  variance,  to  restore  a  husband  to 
his  wife,  a  father  to  a  daughter,  was  the  earnest  desire 
of  the  good  man's  heart.  He  accepted  the  office  with 
pleasure  ;  and  in  the  course  of  the  afternoon,  while 
Rainscourt  called  upon  the  M'Elvinas,  that  he  might  be 
out  of  the  way,  proceeded  upon  his  mission  of  peace  and 
good-will. 


264  The  King's  Own 

Mrs  Rainscourt,  who  was  not  surprised  at  the  intelli- 
gence, listened  to  the  vicar  attentively,  as  he  pointed  out 
the  necessity  of  forgiveness,  if  she  hoped  to  be  forgiven — 
of  the  conviction,  in  his  own  mind,  that  her  husband  was 
reformed — of  the  unpleasant  remarks  to  which  a  woman 
who  is  separated  from  her  husband  must  always  be 
subjected  —  of  the  probability  that  the  faults  were  not 
all  on  his  side,  and  of  the  advantage  her  daughter  would 
derive  from  their  reunion  :  to  which  he  entreated  her  to 
consent. 

Mrs  Rainscourt  was  moved  to  tears.  The  conflict 
between  her  former  love  and  her  outraged  feelings — the 
remembrance  of  his  long  neglect,  opposed  to  his  present 
assiduities — the  stormy  life  she  had  passed  in  his  company, 
and  her  repose  of  mind  since  their  separation — weighed 
and  balanced  against  each  other  so  exactly,  that  the  scale 
would  turn  on  neither  side. 

She  refused  to  give  any  decided  answer,  but  requested 
a  day  or  two  for  reflection  ;  and  the  vicar,  who  recollected 
the  adage,  that,  in  an  affair  of  the  heart,  "  the  woman  who 
deliberates  is  lost,"  left  her  with  a  happy  presage  that  his 
endeavours  would  be  crowned  with  success.  But  Mrs 
Rainscourt  would  not  permit  her  own  heart  to  decide.  It 
was  a  case  in  which  she  did  not  consider  that  a  woman 
was  likely  to  be  a  correct  judge;  and  she  had  so  long 
been  on  intimate  terms  with  M*Elvina,  that  she  resolved 
to  lay  the  case  before  him,  and  be  guided  by  his  opinion. 

The  next  day,  Mrs  Rainscourt  went  to  the  cottage 
alone,  and  having  requested  Susan  to  exclude  all  visitors, 
entered  into  a  full  detail  of  all  the  circumstances  which 
had  occurred  previous  to  her  separation  from  her  husband, 
and  the  decision  that  she  was  now  called  upon  to  make, 
from  his  importunity. 

Susan,  who  felt  that  she  was  unable  to  advise,  in  a  case 
of  such  importance  to  Mrs  Rainscourt's  future  happiness, 
immediately  referred  the  matter  to  M'Elvina. 

His  answer  was  decided. 

"  I  should  be  sorry,  Mrs  Rainscourt,  to  give  an  opinion 


The  King's  Own  265 

in  opposition  to  that  of  the  worthy  vicar,  did  I  not 
conceive  that  his  slight  knowledge  of  the  world  would, 
in  this  instance,  tend  to  mislead  both  himself  and  you. 
Before  Mr  Rainscourt  had  remained  here  a  week,  I 
prophesied,  as  Susan  will  corroborate,  that  this  proposal 
would  be  made.  Aware  of  his  general  character,  and  of 
the  grounds  of  your  separation,  I  took  some  pains  to 
ingratiate  myself,  that  I  might  ascertain  his  real  sentiments ; 
and,  with  regret  I  express  my  conviction,  that  his  pre- 
possession in  your  favour,  strong  as  it  really  is  at  present, 
will  but  prove  transitory,  and  that  possession  would  only 
subject  you  to  future  insults.  He  is  tiot  reformed;  but, 
satiated  with  other  enjoyments,  and  fascinated  with  your 
attractions,  his  feelings  towards  you  are  those  of  renewed 
inclination,  and  not  arising  from  conviction,  or  remorse  at 
his  unprincipled  career.  You  are  happy  at  present — your 
refusal  may,  by  stimulating  his  attentions,  increase  your 
happiness :  but  if  you  yield,  it  will  only  be  a  source  of 
misery  to  you  both.  Such  is  my  opinion.  Do  not  let  him 
know  that  I  have  influenced  you,  or  it  will  interrupt 
an  intimacy,  which  I  shall  follow  up,  I  trust,  to  your 
advantage ;  therefore,  give  no  answer  at  present,  nor 
while  he  remains  here :  for  I  perceive  that  he  is  a  violent 
man  when  thwarted  in  his  wishes.  Demand  a  fortnight's 
consideration  after  he  is  gone,  and  then  you  will  be  able  to 
decide  from  reflection,  without  being  biassed  against  your 
own  judgment,  by  his  working  upon  feelings  which, 
to  the  honour  of  women,  when  the  heart  is  concerned, 
spurn  at  the  cold  reasonings  of  prudence  and  worldly 
wisdom." 

The  advice  of  the  man  of  the  world  prevailed  over  that 
of  the  man  of  God ;  and  Rainscourt,  after  waiting  in 
town,  with  impatience,  for  the  answer,  received  a  decided 
but  kind  refusal.  He  tore  the  letter  into  fragments,  with 
indignation,  and  set  off  for  Cheltenham,  more  violently 
in  love  with  his  wife  than  he  was  before  her  rejection 
of  him. 


266  The  King's  Own 


Chapter  XXXVII 

Great  Negative !  how  vainly  would  the  wise 

Inquire,  define,  distinguish,  teach,  devise. 

Didst  thou  not  stand  to  point  their  dull  philosophies. 

Rochester's  Ode  to  "  Nothing^ 

Should  you  feel  half  as  tired  with  reading  as  I  am  with 
writing,  I  forgive  you,  with  all  my  heart,  if  you  throw 
down  the  book,  and  read  no  more.  I  have  written  too 
fast — I  have  quite  sprained  my  imagination — for  you  must 
know  that  this  is  all  fiction^  every  word  of  it.  Yet  I  do 
not  doubt  but  there  are  many  who  will  find  out  who  the 
characters  are  meant  for,  notwithstanding  my  assertion  to 
the  contrary.  Well,  be  it  so.  It's  a  very  awkward 
position  to  have  to  write  a  chapter  of  sixteen  pages, 
without  materials  for  more  than  two ;  at  least  I  find  it  so. 
Some  people  have  the  power  of  spinning  out  a  trifle  of 
matter,  covering  a  large  surface  with  a  grain  of  ore — like 
the  goldbeater,  who,  out  of  a  single  guinea,  will  compose 
a  score  of  books.     I  wish  I  could. 

Is  there  nothing  to  give  me  an  idea  ?  I've  racked  my 
sensorium  internally  to  no  purpose.  Let  me  look  round 
the  cabin  for  some  external  object  to  act  as  a  fillip  to  an 
exhausted  imagination.  A  little  thing  will  do. — Well, 
here's  an  ant.     That's  quite  enough.     Commenfons. 

"  Home-keeping  youths  have  ever  homely  wits,"  they 
say  J  but  much  as  travel  by  land  may  enlarge  the  mind,  it 
never  can  be  expanded  to  the  utmost  of  its  capabilities, 
until  it  has  also  peregrinated  by  water.  I  believe  that  not 
only  the  human  intellect,  but  the  instinct  of  brutes,  is 
enlarged  by  going  to  sea. 

The  ant  which  attracted  my  attention  is  one  of  a  nest  in 
my  cabin,  whose  labours  I  often  superintend :  and  I  defy 
any  ants,  in  any  part  of  the  four  continents,  or  wherever 
land  may  be,  to  show  an  equal  knowledge  of  mechanical 
power.     I  do  not  mean  to  assert  that  there  is  originally 


The  King's  Own  iG^j 

a  disproportion  of  intellect  between  one  animal  and  another 
of  the  same  species  ;  but  I  consider  that  the  instinct  of 
animals  is  capable  of  expansion,  as  well  as  the  reason  of 
man.  That  ants  on  shore  would,  if  it  were  required,  be 
equally  assisted  by  their  instinct,  I  believe  ;  but  not  being 
required,  it  is  not  brought  into  play :  and,  therefore,  as  I 
before  observed,  they  have  not  the  resources  of  which  my 
little  colony  at  present  are  in  possession. 

Now  I  will  kill  a  cockroach  for  them  ;  there  is  no 
difficulty  in  finding  one,  unfortunately  for  me,  for  they 
gnaw  everything  that  I  have.  There  never  was  a  class 
of  animals  so  indifferent  to  their  fare,  whether  it  be 
paper,  or  snuff,  or  soap,  or  cloth.  Like  Time,  they 
devour  everything.  The  scoundrels  have  nearly  de- 
molished two  dozen  antibilious  pills.  I  hope  they  will 
remember  Dr  Vance  as  long  as  they  live. 

Well,  here's  one — a  fine  one.  I  throw  his  crushed 
carcass  on  the  deck,  and  observe  the  ants  have  made  their 
nest  in  the  beams  over  my  head,  from  which  I  infer,  that 
the  said  beams  are  not  quite  so  sound  as  they  should  be. 
An  ant  has  passed  by  the  carcass,  and  is  off  on  a  gallop  to 
give  notice.  He  meets  two  or  three — stops  a  second — and 
passes  on.  Now  the  tide  flows  ;  it's  not  above  a  minute 
since  I  threw  the  cockroach  down,  and  now  it  is  sur- 
rounded by  hundreds.  What  a  bustle  ! — what  running 
to  and  fro  !  They  must  be  giving  orders.  See,  there  are 
fifty  at  least,  who  lay  hold  of  each  separate  leg  of  the 
monster,  who  in  bulk  is  equal  to  eight  thousand  of  them. 
The  body  moves  along  with  rapidity,  and  they  have  gained 
the  side  of  the  cabin.  Now  for  the  ascent.  See  how 
those  who  hold  the  lower  legs  have  quitted  them,  and  pass 
over  to  assist  the  others  at  the  upper.  As  there  is  not 
room  for  all  to  lay  hold  of  the  creature's  legs,  those  who 
cannot,  fix  their  forceps  round  the  bodies  of  the  others, 
double-banking  them,  as  we  call  it.  Away  they  go,  up  the 
side  of  the  ship — a  steady  pull,  and  all  together.  But  now 
the  work  becomes  more  perilous,  for  they  have  to  convey 
the  body  to  their  nest  over  my  head,  which  is  three  feet 


268  The  King's  Own 

from  the  side  of  the  ship.  How  can  they  possibly  carry 
that  immense  weight,  walking  with  their  heads  down- 
wards, and  clinging  with  their  feet  to  the  beams  ? 
Observe  how  carefully  they  turn  the  corner — what  bustle 
and  confusion  in  making  their  arrangements  !  Now  they 
start.  They  have  brought  the  body  head-and-stern  with 
the  ship,  so  that  all  the  legs  are  exactly  opposed  to  each 
other  in  the  direction  which  they  wish  to  proceed.  One 
of  the  legs  on  the  fore  side  is  advanced  to  its  full  stretch, 
while  all  the  others  remain  stationary.  That  leg  stops, 
and  the  ants  attached  to  it  hold  on  with  the  rest,  while 
another  of  the  foremost  legs  is  advanced.  Thus  they 
continue,  until  all  the  foremost  are  out,  and  the  body 
of  the  animal  is  suspended  by  its  legs  at  its  full  stretch. 
Now  one  of  the  hindmost  legs  closes  in  to  the  body,  while 
all  the  others  hold  on — now  another,  and  another,  each  in 
their  turn ;  and  by  this  skilful  manoeuvre  they  have  con- 
trived to  advance  the  body  nearly  an  inch  along  the  ceiling. 
One  of  the  foremost  legs  advances  again,  and  they  proceed 
as  before. 

Could  your  shore-going  ants  have  managed  this  ?  I  have 
often  watched  them,  when  a  boy,  because  my  grandmother 
used  to  make  me  do  so ;  in  later  days,  because  I  delighted 
in  their  industry  and  perseverance ;  but,  alas  !  in  neither 
case  did  I  profit  by  their  example. 

"Now,  Freddy,"  the  old  lady  would  say,  giving  her 
spectacles  a  preparatory  wipe,  as  she  basked  in  a  summer 
evening's  sun,  after  a  five  o'clock  tea,  "  fetch  a  piece  of 
bread  and  butter,  and  we  will  see  the  ants  work.  Lord 
bless  the  boy,  if  he  hasn't  thrown  down  a  whole  slice. 
"Why  do  you  waste  good  victuals  in  that  way  ?  Who  do 
you  think's  to  eat  it,  after  it  has  been  on  the  gravel  ? 
There,  pinch  a  bit  off  and  throw  it  down.  Put  the  rest 
back  upon  the  plate — it  will  do  for  the  cat." 

But  these  ants  were  no  more  to  be  compared  to  mine, 
than  a  common  labourer  is  to  the  engineer  who  directs  the 
mechanical  powers  which  raise  mountains  from  their 
foundation.     My  old  grandmother  would   never   let  me 


The  King's  Own  269 

escape  until  the  bread  and  butter  was  in  the  hole,  and, 
what  was  worse,  I  had  then  to  listen  to  the  moral  inference 
which  was  drawn,  and  which  took  up  more  time  than  the 
ants  did  to  draw  the  bread  and  butter — all  about  industry, 
and  what  not ;  a  long  story,  partly  her  own,  partly 
borrowed  from  Solomon  ;  but  it  was  labour  in  vain.  I 
could  not  understand  why,  because  ants  like  bread  and 
butter,  I  must  like  my  book.  She  was  an  excellent  old 
woman ;  but  nevertheless,  many  a  time  did  I  have  a  fellow- 
feeling  with  the  boy  in  the  caricature  print,  who  is  sitting 
with  his  old  grandmother  and  the  cat,  and  says,  "  I  wish 
one  of  us  three  were  dead.  It  an't  I — and  it  an't  you, 
pussy." 

"Well,  she  died  at  last,  full  of  years  and  honour ;  and  I 
was  summoned  from  school  to  attend  her  funeral.  My 
uncle  was  much  affected,  for  she  had  been  an  excellent 
mother.  She  might  have  been  so ;  but  I,  graceless  boy, 
could  not  perceive  her  merits  as  a  grandmother,  and  showed 
a  great  deal  of  fortitude  upon  the  occasion.  I  recollect  a 
circumstance  attendant  upon  her  funeral  which,  connected 
as  it  was  with  a  subsequent  one,  has  since  been  the  occasion 
of  serious  reflection  upon  the  trifling  causes  which  will 
affect  the  human  mind,  when  prostrate  under  aflliction. 
My  grandmother's  remains  were  consigned  to  an  old  family 
vault,  not  far  from  the  river.  When  the  last  ceremonies 
had  been  paid,  and  the  cofHn  was  being  lowered  into  the 
deep  receptacle  of  generations  which  had  passed  away,  I 
looked  down,  and  it  was  full  of  water,  nearly  up  to  the 
arch  of  the  vault.  Observing  my  surprise,  and  perceiving 
the  cause,  my  uncle  was  much  annoyed  at  the  circumstance  j 
but  it  was  too  late — the  cords  had  been  removed,  and  my 
grandmother  had  sunk  to  the  bottom.  My  uncle  inter- 
rogated the  sexton  after  the  funeral  service  was  over. 

"Why,  sir,  it's  because  it's  high  water  now  in  the 
river  5  she  will  be  all  dry  before  the  evening." 

This  made  the  matter  worse.  If  she  was  all  adry  in  the 
evening,  she  would  be  all  afloat  again  in  the  morning.  It 
was  no  longer  a  place  of  rest,  and  my  uncle's  grief  was 


270  The  King's  Own 

much  increased  by  the  idea.  For  a  long  while  afterwards, 
he  appeared  uncommonly  thoughtful  at  spring  tides. 

But  although  his  grief  yielded  to  time,  the  impression 
was  not  to  be  effaced.  Many  years  afterwards,  a  fair 
cousin  was  summoned  from  the  world,  before  she  had  time 
to  enter  upon  the  duties  imposed  upon  the  sex,  or  be  con- 
vinced, from  painful  experience,  that  to  die  is  gain.  It 
was  then  I  perceived  that  my  uncle  had  contracted  a  sort 
of  post-mortem  hydrophobia.  He  fixed  upon  a  church,  on 
the  top  of  a  hill,  and  ordered  a  vault  to  be  dug,  at  a  great 
expense,  out  of  the  solid  chalk,  under  the  chancel  of  the 
church.  There  it  would  not  only  be  dry  below,  but  even 
defended  from  the  rain  above.  It  was  finished — and  (the 
last  moisture  to  which  she  was  ever  to  be  subjected)  the 
tears  of  affection  were  shed  over  her  remains,  by  those 
who  lost  and  loved  her.  When  the  ceremony  was  over, 
my  uncle  appeared  to  look  down  into  the  vault  with  a 
degree  of  satisfaction.  "  There,"  said  he,  "  she  will  lie  as 
dry  as  possible,  till  the  end  of  time."  And  I  really  believe 
that  this  conviction  on  his  part  went  further  to  console  him 
than  even  the  aid  of  religion,  or  the  ministering  of  affection. 
He  often  commented  upon  it,  and  as  often  as  he  did  so,  I 
thought  of  my  old  grandmother  and  the  spring  tides. 

I  had  an  odd  dream  the  other  night,  about  my  own  burial 
and  subsequent  state — which  was  so  diametrically  opposite 
to  my  uncle's  ideas  of  comfort,  that  I  will  relate  it  here. 

I  was  dead;  but,  either  from  politeness  or  affection,  I 
knew  not  which,  the  spirit  still  lingered  with  the  body, 
and  had  not  yet  taken  its  flight,  although  the  tie  between 
them  had  been  dissolved.  I  had  been  killed  in  action :  and 
the  first  lieutenant  of  the  ship,  with  mingled  feelings  of 
sorrow  and  delight — sorrow  at  my  death,  which  was  a 
tribute  that  I  did  not  expect  from  him,  and  delight  at  his 
assumed  promotion,  for  the  combat  had  been  brought  to  a 
successful  issue — read  the  funeral  service  which  consigned 
me  and  some  twenty  others,  sewed  up  in  hammocks,  to 
the  deep,  into  which  we  descended  with  one  simultaneous 
rush. 


The  King's  Own  271 

I  thought  that  we  soon  parted  company  from  each  other, 
and,  all  alone,  I  continued  to  sink,  sink,  sink,  until  at  last 
I  could  sink  no  deeper.  I  was  suspended,  as  it  were  ;  I  had 
taken  my  exact  position  in  the  scale  of  gravity,  and  I  lay 
floating  upon  the  condensed  and  buoyant  fluid,  many 
hundred  fathoms  below  the  surface.  I  thought  to  myself, 
"  Here  then  am  I  to  lie  in  pickle,  until  I  am  awakened." 
It  was  quite  dark,  but  by  the  spirit  I  saw  as  plain  as  if  it 
were  noonday ;  and  I  perceived  objects  in  the  water,  which 
gradually  increased  in  size.  They  were  sharks,  in  search 
of  prey.  They  attacked  me  furiously  ;  and  as  they 
endeavoured  to  drag  me  out  of  my  canvas  cerements,  I 
whirled  round  and  round  as  their  flat  noses  struck  against 
my  sides.  At  last  they  succeeded.  In  a  moment,  I  was 
dismembered  without  the  least  pain,  for  pain  had  been  left 
behind  me  in  the  world  from  which  I  had  been  released. 
One  separated  a  leg,  with  his  sharp  teeth,  and  darted  away 
north ;  another  an  arm,  and  steered  south  ;  each  took  his 
portion,  and  appeared  to  steer  away  in  a  different  direction, 
as  if  he  did  not  wish  to  be  interrupted  in  his  digestion. 

**  Help  yourselves,  gentlemen,  help  yourselves,"  mentally 
exclaimed  I ;  "  but  if  Mr  Young  is  correct  in  his  *  Night 
Thoughts,'  where  am  I  to  fumble  for  my  bones,  when  they 
are  to  be  forthcoming  ? "  Nothing  was  left  but  my  head, 
and  that,  from  superior  gravity,  continued  to  sink,  gyrating 
in  its  descent,  so  as  to  make  me  feel  quite  giddy :  but  it 
had  not  gone  far,  before  one,  who  had  not  received  his 
portion,  darted  down  upon  it  perpendicularly,  and  as  the 
last  fragment  of  me  rolled  down  his  enormous  gullet,  the 
spirit  fled,  and  all  was  darkness  and  oblivion. 

But  I  have  disgressed  sadly  from  the  concatenation  of 
ideas.  The  ant  made  me  think  of  my  grandmother, — my 
grandmother  of  my  uncle, — my  uncle  of  my  cousin, — and 
her  death  of  my  dream,  for  "  We  are  such  stuff  as  dreams 
are  made  of,  and  our  little  lives  are  rounded  with  a  sleep." 
But  I  had  not  finished  all  I  had  to  say  relative  to  the 
inferior  animals.  When  on  board  of  a  man-of-war,  not 
only  is  their  instinct  expanded,  but  they  almost  change 


272  The  King's  Own 

their  nature  from  their  immediate  contact  with  human 
beings,  and  become  tame  in  an  incredibly  short  space  of 
time.  Man  had  dominion  given  unto  him  over  the  beasts 
of  the  field  ;  the  fiercest  of  the  feline  race  will  not  attack, 
but  avoid  him,  unless  goaded  on  by  the  most  imperious 
demands  of  hunger  5  and  it  is  a  well-known  fact,  that 
there  is  a  power  in  the  eye  of  man,  to  which  all  other 
animals  quail.  What  then  must  it  be  to  an  animal  who  is 
brought  on  board,  and  is  in  immediate  collision  with 
hundreds,  whose  fearless  eyes  meet  his  in  every  direction 
in  which  he  turns,  and  whose  behaviour  towards  him 
corresponds  with  their  undaunted  looks  ?  The  animal  is 
subdued  at  once.  I  remember  a  leopard  which  was 
permitted  to  run  loose  after  he  had  been  three  days  on 
board,  although  it  was  thought  necessary  to  bring  him  in 
an  iron  cage.  He  had  not  been  in  the  ship  more  than  a 
fortnight,  when  I  observed  the  captain  of  the  after-guard 
rubbing  the  nose  of  the  animal  against  the  deck,  for  some 
offence  which  he  had  committed. 

"  Why,  you  have  pretty  well  brought  that  gentleman 
to  his  bearings,"  observed  I ;  "  he's  as  tame  as  a  puppy." 

"  Tame !  why,  sir,  he  knows  better  than  to  be  other- 
wise. I  wish  the  Hemp^rer  of  Maroccy  would  send  us  on 
board  a  cock  rhinoceros — we'd  tame  him  in  a  week." 

And  I  believe  the  man  was  correct  in  his  assertion. 

The  most  remarkable  change  of  habit  that  I  ever 
witnessed,  was  in  a  wether  sheep,  on  board  of  a  frigate, 
during  the  last  war.  He  was  one  of  a  stock  which  the 
captain  had  taken  on  board  for  a  long  cruise,  and  being 
the  only  survivor,  during  the  time  that  the  ship  was 
refitting  he  had  been  allowed  to  run  about  the  decks,  and 
had  become  such  a  favourite  with  the  ship's  company,  that 
the  idea  of  his  being  killed,  even  when  short  of  fresh 
provisions,  never  even  entered  into  the  head  of  the  captain. 
Jack,  for  such  was  his  cognomen,  lived  entirely  with  the 
men,  being  fed  with  biscuit  from  the  different  messes. 
He  knew  the  meaning  of  the  different  pipes  of  the  boat- 
swain's mates,  and  always  went  below  when  they  piped  to 


The  King's  Own  273 

breakfast,  dinner,  or  supper.  But  amongst  other  particu- 
larities, he  would  chew  tobacco,  and  drink  grog.  Is  it  to 
be  wondered,  therefore,  that  he  was  a  favourite  with  the 
sailors  ?  That  he  at  first  did  this  from  obedience  is 
possible  ;  but,  eventually,  he  was  as  fond  of  grog  as  any 
of  the  men ;  and  when  the  pipe  gave  notice  for  serving  it 
out,  he  would  run  aft  to  the  tub,  and  wait  his  turn — for 
an  extra  half  pint  of  water  was,  by  general  consent,  thrown 
into  the  tub  when  the  grog  was  mixed,  that  Jack  might 
have  his  regular  allowance.  From  habit,  the  animal  knew 
exactly  when  his  turn  came.  There  were  eighteen  messes 
in  the  ship  ;  and  as  they  were  called,  by  the  purser's 
steward,  or  sergeant  of  marines,  in  rotation — first  mess, 
second  mess,  etc., — after  the  last  mess  was  called  Jack 
presented  himself  at  the  tub,  and  received  his  allowance. 

Now,  it  sometimes  occurred  that  a  mess,  when  called, 
would  miss  its  turn,  by  the  man  deputed  to  receive  the 
liquor  not  being  present  :  upon  which  occasion,  the  other 
messes  were  served  in  rotation,  and  the  one  who  had  not 
appeared  to  the  call  was  obliged  to  wait  till  after  all  the 
rest ;  but  a  circumstance  of  this  kind  always  created  a 
great  deal  of  mirth  ;  for  the  sheep,  who  knew  that  it  was 
his  turn  after  the  eighteenth,  or  last  mess,  would  butt 
away  any  one  who  attempted  to  interfere  ;  and  if  the  party 
persevered  in  being  served  before  Jack,  he  would  become 
quite  outrageous,  flying  at  the  offender,  and  butting  him 
forward  into  the  galley,  and  sometimes  down  the  hatch- 
way, before  his  anger  could  be  appeased — from  which  it 
would  appear  that  the  animal  was  passionately  fond  of 
spirits.  This  I  consider  as  great  a  change  in  the  nature  of 
a  ruminating  animal,  as  can  well  be  imagined. 

I  could  mention  many  instances  of  this  kind,  but  I  shall 
reserve  them  till  I  have  grown  older  j  then  I  will  be  as 
garrulous  as  Montaigne.  As  it  is,  I  think  I  hear  the  reader 
say—"  All  this  may  be  very  true,  but  what  has  it  to  do 
with  the  novel  ?  "  Nothing,  I  grant ;  but  it  has  a  great 
deal  to  do  with  making  a  book — for  I  have  completed  a 
whole  chapter  out  of  nothing. 
K.     I.  S 


274  T^^  King's  Own 


Chapter  XXXVIII 

And  with  a  flowing  sail 

Went  bounding  for  the  island  of  the  free, 
Towards  which  the  impatient  wind  blew  half  a  gale ; 
High  dash'd  the  spray,  the  bows  dipp'd  in  the  sea. 

ByRON. 

After  a  run  of  six  weeks,  the  Aspasia  entered  the 
Channel.  The  weather,  which  had  been  clear  during  the 
passage  home,  now  altered  its  appearance  ;  and  a  dark  sky, 
thick  fog,  and  mizzling  cold  rain,  intimated  their  approach 
to  the  English  shore.  But,  relaxed  as  they  had  been  by 
three  years'  endurance  of  a  tropical  sun,  it  was  nevertheless 
a  source  of  congratulation,  rather  than  complaint ;  for  it  was 
"  regular  November  Channel  weather,"  and  was  associated 
with  their  propinquity  to  those  homes  and  firesides,  which 
would  be  enhanced  in  value  from  the  ordeal  to  be  passed 
before  they  could  be  enjoyed. 

**Hah!"  exclaimed  an  old  quarter-master,  who  had 
served  the  earlier  part  of  his  life  in  a  coaster,  as  he 
buttoned  his  pea-jacket  up  to  the  throat ;    "  this  is  what 

I  calls  something  like  5   none  of  your  d d  blue  skies 

here." 

Such  is  the  power  of  affection,  whether  of  person  or 
of  things,  that  even  faults  become  a  source  of  endearment. 

As  the  short  day  closed,  the  Aspasia,  which  was  running 
before  the  wind  and  slanting  rain,  which  seemed  to  assist 
her  speed  with  its  gravity,  hove-to,  and  tried  for  soundings. 

"  Well,  Stewart,  what's  the  news  ? "  said  one  of  the 
midshipmen,  as  he  entered  the  berth ;  the  drops  of  rain, 
which  hung  upon  the  rough  exterior  of  his  great-coat, 
glittering  like  small  diamonds,  from  the  reflection  of  the 
solitary  candle,  which  made  darkness  but  just  visible. 

"News,"  replied  Stewart,  taking  off  his  hat  with  a 
jerk,  so  as  to  besprinkle  the  face  of  Prose  with  the  water 
that  had  accumulated  on  the  top  of  it,  and  laughing  at 


The  King's  Own  275 

his  sudden  start  from  the  unexpected  shower ;  "  why, 
as  the  fellows  roar  out  with  the  second  edition  of  an 
evening  paper  '  great  news,  glorious  news  ! ' — and  all 
comprised  in  a  short  sentence : — Soundings  in  seventy-four 
fathoms  ;  grey  sand  and  shells." 

**  Huzza  !  "  answered  the  old  master's  mate. 
"  Now  for  three  cheers — and  then  for  the  song." 
The  three  cheers  having  been  given  with  due  emphasis, 
if  not  discretion,  they  all  stood  up  round  the  table. 
"Now,  my  boys,  keep  time.  Mr  Prose,  if  you  attempt 
to  chime  in  with  your  confounded  nasal  twang,  Til  give 
you  a  squeeze." 

"  For  England,  when,  with  favouring  gale, 
Our  gallant  ship  up  Channel  steer'd. 
And,  scudding  under  easy  sail. 

The  high  blue  western  land  appear'd, 
To  heave  the  lead  the  seaman  sprung, 
And  to  the  watchful  pilot  sung, 
By  the  deep  nw?." 

The  song,  roared  out  in  grand  chorus  by  the  midship- 
men, was  caught  up,  after  the  first  verse,  by  the  marines 
in  their  berth,  close  to  them ;  and  from  them  passed  along 
the  lower  deck  as  it  continued,  so  that  the  last  stanzas 
were  sung  by  nearly  two  hundred  voices,  sending  forth 
a  volume  of  sound,  that  penetrated  every  recess  of  the 
vessel,  and  entered  into  the  responsive  bosoms  of  all  on 
board,  not  excepting  the  captain  himself,  who  smiled, 
as  he  bent  over  the  break  of  the  gangway,  at  what  he 
would  have  considered  a  breach  of  subordination  in  the 
ship's  company,  had  not  he  felt  that  it  arose  from  that 
warm  attachment  to  their  country  which  had  created  our 
naval  pre-eminence. 

The  song  ended  with  tumultuous  cheering  fore  and 
aft,  and  not  until  then  did  the  captain  send  down  to  request 
that  the  noise  might  be  discontinued.  As  soon  as  it  was 
over,  the  grog  was  loudly  called  for  in  the  midshipmen's 
berth,  and  made  its  appearance. 

"  Here's    to   the  white   cliffs  of  England,"  cried  one. 


276  The  King's  Own 

drinking  ofF  his  full  tumbler,  and  turning  it  upside  down 
on  the  table. 

"  Here's  to  the  land  of  Beauty." 

"  Here's  to  the  Emerald  Isle." 

"  And  here's  to  the  land  of  Cakes,"  cried  Stewart, 
drinking  off  his  tumbler,  and  throwing  it  over  his  shoulder. 

"  Six  for  one  for  skylarking,"  cried  Prose. 

"  A  hundred  for  one,  you   d d  cockney,  for  all  I 

care." 

"  No — no — no,"  cried  all  the  berth  ;  '*  not  one  for  one^ 

"  You  shall  have  a  song  for  it,  my  boys,"  cried  Stewart, 
who  immediately  commenced,  with  great  taste  and  execu- 
tion, the  beautiful  air — 

«  Should  auld  acquaintance  be  forgot, 
And  days  o'  lang  syne  ?  " 

"  Well,  I've  not  had  my  toast  yet,"  said  Jerry,  when 
the  applause  at  the  end  of  the  song  had  discontinued : — 
"  Here's  to  the  shady  side  of  Pall-mall." 

"  And  I  suppose,"  said  Stewart,  giving  Prose  a  slap  on 
the  back,  which  took  his  breath  away,  "  that  you  are 
thinking  of  Wapping,  blow  you." 

"  I  think  I  have  had  enough  of  wapping  since  I've  been 
in  this  ship,"  answered  Prose. 

*'  Why,  Prose,  you're  quite  brilliant,  I  do  declare," 
observed  Jerry.  **Like  a  flint,  you  only  require  a  blow 
from  Stewart's  iron  fist  to  emit  sparks.  Try  him  again, 
Stewart.  He's  like  one  of  the  dancing  dervishes,  in  the 
Arabian  Nights ;  you  must  thrash  him,  to  get  a  few 
farthings  of  wit  out  of  him." 

"  I  do  wish  that  you  would  keep  your  advice  to  your- 
self, Jerry." 

"  My  dear  Prose,  it's  all  for  the  honour  of  Middlesex 
that  I  wish  you  to  shine.  I'm  convinced  that  there's  a 
great  deal  of  wit  in  that  head  of  yours  :  but  it's  confined, 
like  the  kernel  in  a  nut ;  there's  no  obtaining  it  without 
breaking  the  shell.     Try  him  again,  Stewart." 

**  Come,  Prose,  I'll  take  your  part,  and  try  his  own 


The  King's  Own  i^"] 

receipt  upon  himself,  I'll  thrash  him  till  he  says  something 
witty." 

**  I  do  like  that,  amazingly,"  replied  Jerry.  "  Why,  if  I 
do  say  a  good  thing,  you'll  never  find  it  out.  I  shall  be 
thrashed  to  all  eternity.  Besides,  I'm  at  too  great  a  distance 
from  you." 

"  What  do  you  mean  }  " 

'*  Why,  I'm  like  some  cows  ;  I  don't  give  down  my  milk 
without  the  calf  is  alongside  of  me.  Now,  if  you  were  on 
this  side  of  the  table " 

"  Which  I  am,"  replied  Stewart,  as  he  sprang  over  it, 
and  seizing  Jerry  by  the  neck — "  Now,  Mr  Jerry,  say  a 
good  thing  directly." 

"  Well,  promise  me  to  understand  it.  We  are  just  in  the 
reverse  situation  of  England  and  Scotland,  after  the  battle 
of  Culloden." 

"  What  do  you  mean  by  that,  you  wretch  ? "  cried 
Stewart,  whose  wrath  was  kindled  by  the  reference. 

"  Why,  I'm  in  your  clutches,  just  like  Scotland  was — a 
conquered  country." 

"  You  lie,  you  little  blackguard,"  cried  Stewart,  pinching 
Jerry's  neck  till  he  forced  his  mouth  open  :  **  Scotland  was 
never  conquered." 

'*Well,  then,"  continued  Jerry,  whose  bile  was  up,  as 
soon  as  Stewart  relaxed  his  hold  ;  "  I'm  like  King  Charles 
in  the  hands  of  the  Scotch.  How  much  was  it  that  you  sold 
him  for  ?  " 

Jerry's  shrivelled  carcase  sounded  like  a  drum,  from  the 
blow  which  he  received  for  this  second  insult  to  Stewart's 
idolised  native  land.  As  soon  as  he  could  recover  his 
speech,  "  Well,  haven't  I  been  very  witty  ?  Are  you  con- 
tent, or  will  you  have  some  more  ?  or  will  you  try  Prose, 
and  see  whether  you  can  draw  blood  out  of  a  turnip  ?  " 

Stewart,  who  seemed  disinclined  to  have  any  more 
elegant  extracts  from  Jerry,  resumed  his  former  seat  by 
Prose,  who  appeared  to  be  in  deep  reflection. 

*'  Well,  Prose,  are  you  thinking  of  your  friends  in 
Cheapside  ? " 


278  The  King's  Own 

**And  suppose  I  am,  Stewart?  "We  have  the  same 
feehngs  in  the  city  that  you  have  in  the  heather  :  and 
ahhough  I  do  not,  hke  you,  pretend  to  be  allied  to  former 
kings,  yet  one  may  love  one's  father  and  mother,  brothers 
and  sisters,  without  being  able  to  trace  back  to  one's 
great  great  grandfather.  I  never  disputed  your  high 
pretensions  ;  why,  then,  interfere  with  my  humble  claims 
to  the  common  feelings  of  humanity  ?  " 

**  I  am  rebuked,  Prose,"  replied  Stewart;  "you  shall 
have  my  glass  of  grog  for  that  speech,  for  you  never  made 
a  better.     Give  me  your  hand,  my  good  fellow." 

**I  am  glad  that  you,  at  last,  show  some  symptoms  of 
reason,"  observed  the  still  indignant  Jerry,  standing  close 
to  the  door.  "  I  have  some  hopes  of  your  majesty  yet, 
after  such  an  extraordinary  concession  on  your  part.  You 
must  have  great  reason  to  be  proud  that  you  are  able  to 
trace  your  pedigree  up  to  a  border  chieftain,  who  sallied 
forth  on  the  foray,  when  the  spurs  were  dished  up  for  his 
dinner ;  or,  in  plain  words,  went  a  cattle-stealing,  and 
robbing  those  who  could  not  resist.  It  might  then  be  con- 
sidered a  mark  of  prowess  ;  but  times  are  altered  now  :  and 
if  your  celebrated  ancestor  lived  in  the  present  time,  why," 
(continued  Jerry,  pointing  his  finger  under  his  left  ear) 
"  he  would  receive  what  he  well  deserved,  that's  all." 

"  By  Him  that  made  me,  get  out  of  my  reach,  if  you  do 
not  wish  me  to  murder  you  !  "  cried  Stewart,  pale  with 
rage. 

"  I  took  care  of  that,"  replied  Jerry,  *'  before  I  ventured 
to  give  my  opinion  ;  and  now  that  I'm  ready  for  a  start, 
I'll  give  you  a  piece  of  advice.  Trace  your  ancestors  as  far 
back  as  you  can,  as  long  as  they  have  continued  to  be 
honest  men, — if  you  don't  stop  there,  you  are  2ifool " — and 
Jerry  very  prudently  made  his  escape  at  the  conclusion  of 
his  sentence. 

"  The  hour  of  retribution  will  come,"  cried  Stewart  after 
Jerry,  as  the  latter  sprang  up  the  ladder  ;  but  it  did  not, 
for  when  they  met  next  morning,  it  was  to  feast  their  eyes 
upon  the  chalky  cliffs  of  the  Isle  of  Wight,  as  the  Aspasia 


The  King's  Own  279 

steered  for  the  Needles.  There  are  two  events  on  board 
of  a  man-of-war,  after  which,  injuries  are  forgotten, 
apologies  are  offered  and  received,  intended  duels  are 
suppressed,  hands  are  exchanged  in  friendship,  and  good- 
will drives  away  long-cherished  animosity.  One  is,  after 
an  action — another,  upon  the  sight  of  native  land,  after  a 
protracted  absence. 

Jerry  fearlessly  ranged  up  alongside  of  Stewart,  as  he 
looked  over  the  gangway. 

"  We  shall  be  at  anchor  by  twelve  o'clock." 

"  You  may  bless  your  stars  for  it,"  replied  Stewart,  with 
a  significant  smile. 

The  Aspasta  now  ran  through  the  Needles,  and  having 
successively  passed  by  Hurst  Castle,  Cowes,  and  the 
entrance  to  Southampton  Water,  brought  up  at  Spithead  in 
seven  fathoms.    The  sails  were  furled,  the  ship  was  moored, 

the  boat  was  manned  and  Captain  M went  on  shore 

to  report  himself  to  the  port-admiral,  and  deHver  his 
despatches.  When  the  boat  returned,  it  brought  off  letters 
which  had  been  awaiting  the  arrival  of  the  ship.  One  in- 
formed Jerry  of  the  death  of  his  father,  and  of  his  being 
in  possession  of  a  fortune  which  enabled  him  to  retire  from 
the  service.  Another,  from  the  Admiralty,  announced  the 
promotion  of  Stewart  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant ;  and  one 
from  M*Elvina  to  our  hero,  inviting  him  to  take  up  his 
quarters  at  his  house,  as  long  as  the  service  would  permit, 

stating  that  Captain  M had  been  written  to,  to  request 

that  he  might  be  allowed  leave  of  absence. 

As  soon  as  Captain  M had  received  an  answer  from 

the  Admiralty,  he  returned  on  board,  and  acquainted  his 
officers  that  he  had  obtained  leave  to  remain  on  shore  for 
some  time,  for  the  re-establishment  of  his  health,  and  that 
another  captain  would  be  appointed  to  the  ship.  He 
turned  the  hands  up,  and  addressed  the  ship's  company, 
thanking  them  for  their  good  behaviour  while  under  his 
command,  and  expressing  his  hopes,  that  upon  his  re- 
appointment he  should  find  them  all  alive  and  well.  The 
first  lieutenant,  to  his  great  surprise  and  delight,  was  pre- 


iSo  The  King's  Own 

sented  with  his  rank  as  commander,  which  Captain  M 

had  sohcited  from  the  Admiralty.    The  men  were  dismissed, 

and   Captain    M ,    bidding    farewell    to   his    officers, 

descended  the  side  and  shoved  off.  As  soon  as  the  boat 
was  clear  of  the  frigate,  the  men,  without  orders,  ran  up, 
and  manning  the  shrouds,  saluted  him  with  three  farewell 

cheers.     Captain  M took  off  his  hat  to  the  compliment, 

and,' muffling  up  his  face  with  his  boat  cloak  to  conceal  his 
emotion,  the  boat  pulled  for  the  shore. 

Seymour,  who  was  in  the  boat,  followed  his  captain  to 
the  inn  ;  who  informed  him,  that  he  had  obtained  his  dis- 
charge into  a  guardship,  that  his  time  might  go  on,  and 
leave  of  absence  for  two  months,  which  he  might  spend 

with  his  friend  M'Elvina.     Captain  M then  dismissed 

him  with  a  friendly  shake  of  the  hand,  desiring  him  to 
write  frequently,  and  to  draw  upon  his  agent  if  he  required 
any  pecuniary  assistance. 

Seymour's  heart  was  full,  and  he  could  not  answer  his 
kind  protector.  He  returned, on  board,  and  bidding  fare- 
well to  his  messmates,  the  next" evening  he  had  arrived  at 
the  cottage  of  M'Elvina. 

That  his  reception  was  cordial,  it  is  hardly  necessary  to 
state.  M'Elvina,  whose  marriage  had  not  been  blessed 
with  a  family,  felt  towards  our  hero  as  if  he  was  his  own 
child;  and  Susan  was  delighted  with  the  handsome 
exterior  arid  winning  manners  of  the  lad,  whose  boyish 
days  had  often  been  the  theme  of  her  husband's  conversa- 
tion. 

If  the  reader  will  take  the  trouble  to  reckon  with  his 
fingers,  he  will  find  that  William  Seymour  is  now  sixteen 
years  old.  If  he  will  not,  he  must  take  my  word  for  it ; 
and  it  may  also  be  as  well  to  inform  him,  that  Miss 
Rainscourt  is  more  than  fourteen.  I  am  the  more  par- 
ticular in  mentioning  these  chronological  facts,  because  in 
the  next  chapter  I  intend  to  introduce  the  parties  to  each 
other. 


The  King's  Own  281 


Chapter  XXXIX 

A  strong  bull  stands,  threat'ning  furious  war ; 

He  flourishes  his  horns,  looks  sourly  round, 
And,  hoarsely  bellowing,  traverses  his  ground. 

Blackmore. 

It  was  on  the  second  day  after  the  arrival  of  Seymour,  that 
Emily,  who  was  not  aware  of  the  addition  to  the  party 
at  the  cottage,  proceeded  on  foot  through  the  park  and 
fields  adjacent,  to  pay  Susan  a  visit.  She  was  attended 
by  a  man-servant,  in  livery,  who  carried  some  books, 
which  Mrs  M*Elvina  had  expressed  a  desire  to  read. 
When  Emily  had  arrived  at  the  last  field,  which  was 
rented  by  a  farmer  hard  by,  she  was  surprised  to  perceive 
that  it  was  occupied  by  an  unpleasant  tenant,  to  wit,  a 
large  bull ;  who,  on  their  approach,  commenced  pawing 
the  ground,  and  showing  every  symptom  of  hostility.  She 
quickened  her  pace,  and  as  the  animal  approached,  found 
that  she  had  gained  much  nearer  to  the  stile  before  her 
than  to  the  one  which  she  had  just  passed  over,  and, 
frightened  as  she  was,  she  determined  to  proceed.  The 
servant  who  accompanied  her  manifested  more  fear  than 
she  did.  As  the  bull  approached,  Emily,  who  had  heard 
what  precautions  should  be  taken  in  'a  similar  exigence, 
turned  her  face  towards  the  animal,  and  walked  backwards 
to  the  stile.  The  domestic  seemed  determined  to  preserve 
the  exact  station  which  his  duty  and  respect  required,  and 
kept  himself  behind  his  young  mistress.  As,  however, 
the  bull  advanced,  and  seemed  inclined  to  charge  upon 
them,  his  fears  would  not  permit  him  to  remain  in  that 
situation,  and  throwing  down  the  books,  he  took  to  his 
heels,  and  ran  for  a  gap  in  the  hedge.  By  this  manoeuvre 
Emily  was  left  to  make  any  arrangement  she  pleased  with 
the  infuriated  animal. 

But  the  bull  had  no  quarrel  with  a  lady,  dressed  in  a 
white  muslin  frock  ;  he  had  taken  offence  at  the  red  plush 
inexpressibles,  which  were  a  part  of  the  family  livery,  and 


282  The  King's  Own 

immediately  ran  at  the  servant,  passing  Emily  without 
notice.  The  terrified  man  threw  himself  in  an  agony  of 
fright  into  the  gap,  but  was  so  paralysed  with  fear  that  he 
had  not  strength  to  force  his  passage  through.  With  his 
head  and  shoulders  on  the  other  side  of  the  hedge,  there 
he  stuck  on  his  hands  and  knees,  offering  a  fair  target  to 
the  bull,  who  flew  at  it  with  such  violence,  that  he  forced 
him  several  yards  into  the  opposite  field.  Senseless  and 
exhausted,  he  lay  there  more  from  fear  than  injury,  while 
the  roaring  bull  paced  up  and  down  the  hedge,  with  his 
tail  in  the  air,  attempting  in  vain  to  force  a  passage  in 
pursuit  of  the  object  of  his  detestation. 

The  mind  of  woman  is  often  more  powerful  than  her 
frame  -,  and  the  one  will  bear  up  against  circumstances  in 
which  the  other  will  succumb.  Thus  it  was  with  Emily, 
who  reached  the  stile,  clambered  over  it  with  difficulty, 
and  obtaining  the  house  of  M'Elvina,  which  was  but  a  few 
yards  distant,  felt  that  her  powers  failed  her  as  soon  as 
exertion  was  no  longer  required.  With  difficulty  she  per- 
ceived with  her  swimming  eyes  that  there  was  a  gentleman  in 
the  parlour  ;  and  faintly  exclaiming,  "  Oh  !  Mr  M'Elvina  !  " 
fell  senseless  into  the  arms  of  William  Seymour. 

Mr  and  Mrs  M'Elvina  were  not  at  home :  they  had 
walked  to  the  vicarage ;  and  Seymour,  who  was  very  busy 
finishing  a  sketch  of  the  Aspasia  for  his  hostess,  had 
declined  accompanying  them  in  their  visit.  His  surprise  at 
finding  a  young  lady  in  his  arms,  may  easily  be  imagined ; 
but,  great  as  was  his  surprise,  his  distress  was  greater,  from 
the  extreme  novelty  of  the  situation.  It  was  not  that  he 
was  unaccustomed  to  female  society  :  on  the  contrary,  his 
captain  had  introduced  him  everywhere  in  the  different 
ports  of  the  colonies  in  which  they  had  anchored ;  and 
perhaps  there  is  no  better  society,  although  limited,  than  is 
to  be  met  with  at  the  table  of  a  colonial  governor :  but 
here  it  was  quite  different.  He  had  been  habituated  to 
follow  in  the  wake,  as  the  lady  governess  made  sail  for  the 
dining-room,  the  whole  fleet  forming  two  lines  abreast  in 
close  order,  and  then  coming  to  an  anchor,  in  beautiful  pre- 


The  King's  Own  283 

cision,  to  attack  the  dinner,  which  surrendered  at  discretion. 
He  had  been  habituated  to  the  ball-room,  where  the  ladies 
glided  over  the  chalked  floor,  like  so  many  beautiful  yachts 
plying  in  Southampton  Water  on  a  fine  day  ;  he  had  tried 
his  rate  of  sailing  down  the  middle  of  a  country  dance  with 
some  fair  partner ;  and  tacked  and  wore  as  required  to  the 
mazes  of  poussette  and  right  and  left.  This  was  all  plain 
sailing ;  but  the  case  was  now  quite  different.  Here  was 
a  strange  sail,  who  had  not  even  shown  her  number,  taken 
aback  in  stays,  and  on  her  beam-ends  in  a  squall. 

Seymour  knew  nothing  about  fainting.  Sometimes  a 
man  had  fits  on  board  a  ship  (although  invariably  dis- 
charged when  it  was  known) ;  but  the  only  remedy,  in  a 
man-of-war,  in  such  cases,  was  to  lay  the  patient  down 
between  the  guns,  and  let  him  come-to  at  his  own  leisure. 
It  was  impossible  to  act  so  in  this  case ;  and  Seymour,  as 
he  bent  over  the  beautiful  pale  countenance  of  Emily,  felt 
that  he  never  could  be  tired  of  holding  her  in  his  arms. 
However,  as  it  was  necessary  that  something  should  be 
done,  he  laid  her  down  on  the  sofa,  and  seizing  the  bell- 
rope,  pulled  it  violently  for  assistance.  The  wire  had  been 
previously  slackened,  and  the  force  which  Seymour  used 
brought  down  the  rope  without  ringing  the  bell.  There 
was  but  one  in  the  room  :  and,  not  choosing  to  leave 
Emily,  he  was  again  compelled  to  rely  on  his  own  resources. 
What  was  good  for  her  ?  Water  ?  There  was  none  in 
the  room,  except  what  he  had  been  painting  with,  and  that 
was  desperately  discoloured  with  the  Indian  ink.  Never- 
theless, he  snatched  up  his  large  brush  which  he  used  for 
washing-in  his  skies,  and  commenced  painting  her  face  and 
temples  with  the  discoloured  water  ;  but  without  producing 
the  desired  effect  of  re-animation. 

What  next  ? — Oh,  salts  and  burnt  feathers  ;  he  had  read 
of  them  in  a  novel.  Salts  he  had  none — burnt  feathers  were 
to  be  procured.  There  were  two  live  birds,  called 
cardinals,  belonging  to  Mrs  M*Elvina,  in  a  cage  near  the 
window,  and  there  was  also  a  stuffed  green  parrot  in  a 
glass   case.     Seymour  showed  his  usual  presence  of  mind 


284  The  King's  Own 

in  his  decision.  The  tails  of  the  live  birds  would  in  all 
probability  grow  again;  that  of  the  stuffed  parrot  never 
could.  He  put  his  hand  into  the  cage,  and,  seizing  the 
fluttering  proprietors,  pulled  out  both  their  long  tails,  and 
having  secured  the  door  of  the  cage,  thrust  the  ends  of  the 
feathers  into  the  fire,  and  applied  them,  frizzing  and 
spluttering,  to  the  nostrils  of  Emily.  But  they  were 
replaced  in  the  fire  again  and  again,  until  they  would  emit 
no  more  smoke,  and  Emily  still  continued  in  a  state  of 
insensibility.  There  was  no  help  for  it — the  parrot,  which 
he  knew  Mrs  M^Elvina  was  partial  to,  must  be  sacrificed. 
A  blow  with  the  poker  demolished  the  glass,  and  the 
animal  was  wrenched  off  its  perch,  and  the  tail  inserted 
between  the  bars  of  the  grate.  But  burnt  feathers  were  of 
no  use  ;  and  Seymour,  when  he  had  burnt  down  the  parrot's 
tail  to  the  stump,  laid  it  upon  the  table  in  despair. 

He  now  began  to  be  seriously  alarmed,  and  the  beauty 
of  the  object  heightened  his  pity  and  commiseration.  His 
anxiety  increased  to  that  degree  that,  losing  his  presence 
of  mind,  and  giving  way  to  his  feelings,  he  apostrophised 
the  inanimate  form,  and,  hanging  over  it  with  the  tender- 
ness of  a  mother  over  her  lifeless  child,  as  a  last  resource, 
kissed  its  lips  again  and  again  with  almost  frantic  anxiety. 
At  the  time  of  his  most  eager  application  of  this  last  remedy, 
M'Elvina  and  Susan  entered  the  room,  without  his  being 
aware  of  their  approach. 

The  parrot  on  the  table,  with  his  tail  still  burning  like  a 
slow  match,  first  caught  their  eyes  :  and  as  they  advanced 
further  in,  there  was  Seymour,  to  their  astonishment,  kiss- 
ing a  young  lady  to  whom  he  had  never  been  introduced,  and 
who  appeared  to  be  quite  passive  to  his  endearments. 

*'  Seymour  !  "  cried  M'Elvina, — "  what  is  all  this  ?" 

"  I'm  glad  you've  come  ;  I  cannot  bring  her  to.  I've 
tried  everything." 

"So  it  appears.  Why,  you've  smothered  her — she's 
black  in  the  face,"  replied  M'Elvina,  observing  the  marks 
of  the  Indian  ink  upon  Emily's  cheek. 

Susan,    who    immediately    perceived    the    condition    of 


The  King's  Own  285 

Emily,  applied  her  salts,  and  desired  M'Elvina  to  call  the 
women.  In  a  few  minutes,  whether  it  was  that  the 
remedies  were  more  effectual,  or  nature  had  resumed  her 
powers,  Emily  opened  her  eyes,  and  was  carried  upstairs 
into  Mrs  M'Elvina's  room. 

We  must  return  to  the  servant,  who,  with  no  other 
injury  than  a  severe  contusion  of  the  os  coccygis,  from 
the  frontal  bones  of  the  bull,  recovered  his  senses  and 
his  legs  at  the  same  moment,  and  never  ceased  exerting 

the  latter,  until  he  arrived  at Hall,  where  he  stated, 

what  indeed  he  really  believed  to  be  the  case,  that  Miss 
Emily  had  been  gored  to  death  by  the  bull;  asserting, 
at  the  same  time,  what  was  equally  incorrect,  that  he 
had  nearly  been  killed  himself  in  attempting  her  rescue. 
The  tidings  were  communicated  to  Mrs  Rainscourt,  who, 
frantic  at  the  intelligence,  without  bonnet  or  shawl,  flew 
down  the  park  towards  the  fields,  followed  by  all  the 
servants  of  the  establishment,  armed  with  guns,  pitchforks, 
and  any  other  weapons  that  they  could  obtain,  at  the 
moment  of  hurry  and  trepidation.  They  arrived  at  the 
field — the  bull  was  there,  waiting  for  them  at  the  stile, 
for  he  had  observed  them  at  a  distance,  and  as  he  was 
now  opposed  to  half-a-dozen  pair  of  inexpressibles,  instead 
of  one,  his  wrath  was  proportionally  increased.  He  pawed 
the  ground,  bellowed  and  made  divers  attempts  to  leap 
the  stile,  which,  had  he  effected,  it  is  probable  that  more 
serious  mischief  would  have  occurred.  The  whole  party 
stood  aghast,  while  Mrs  Rainscourt  screamed,  and  called 
for  her  child — her  child;  and  attempted  to  recover  her 
liberty,  from  the  arms  of  those  who  held  her,  and  rush 
into  the  field  to  her  own  destruction. 

The  farmer  to  whom  the  animal  belonged  had  heard 
his  bellowing  on  the  first  assault,  and  had  come  out  to 
ascertain  the  cause.  He  was  just  in  time  to  behold  the 
footman  pushed  through  the  hedge,  and  to  witness  the 
escape  of  Emily  into  the  house  of  M'Elvina.  Intending 
to  remove  the  animal,  he  returned  to  his  dinner,  when 
his   resumed    bellowing    summoned   him  again,   and    per- 


286  The  King's  Own 

ceiving  the  cause,  he  joined  the  party,  and,  addressing 
Mrs  Rainscourt,  "  The  young  lady  is  all  safe,  ma'am,  in 
the  gentleman's  house  yonder.  The  brute's  quiet  enough ; 
it's  all  along  of  them  red  breeches  that  angers  him.  A 
bull  can't  abide  'em,  ma'am." 

**  Safe,  do  you  say  ?  Thank  God.  Oh !  take  me  to 
her." 

"This  way,  ma'am,  then,"  said  the  farmer,  leading  her 
round  the  hedge  to  the  cottage  of  M*Elvina,  by  a  more 
circuitous  way. 

Susan  had  just  called  up  M^Elvina,  and  Seymour  was 
again  left  to  himself  in  the  parlour,  when  Mrs  Rainscourt, 
bursting  from  those  who  conducted  her,  tottered  in,  and 
sunk  exhausted  on  the  sofa.  Seymour,  to  whom  the 
whole  affair  was  a  mystery,  and  who  had  been  ruminating 
upon  it,  and  upon  the  sweet  lips  which  he  had  pressed, 
in  utter  astonishment  cried  out,  "  What  !  another  ?  "  Not 
choosing,  in  this  instance,  to  trust  to  his  own  resources, 
he  contented  himself  with  again  shoving  the  parrot's  tail 
between  the  bars,  and  as  he  held  it  to  his  patient's  nose, 
loudly  called  out  for  M*Elvina,  who,  summoned  by  his 
appeals,  with  many  others,  entered  the  room,  and  relieved 
him  of  his  charge,  who  soon  recovered,  and  joined  her 
daughter  in  the  room  upstairs. 

The  carriage  had  been  sent  for  to  convey  Mrs  Rains- 
court and  her  daughter  home.  When  they  came  down 
into  the  parlour,  previous  to  their  departure,  Seymour 
was  formally  introduced,  and  received  the  thanks  of  Mrs 
Rainscourt  for  the  attention  which  he  had  paid  to  her 
daughter,  and  a  general  invitation  to  the  Hall. 

Emily,  to  whom  Susan  had  communicated  the  panacea 
to  which  Seymour  had  ultimately  resorted,  blushed  deeply 
as  she  smiled  her  adieus ;  and  our  hero,  as  the  carriage 
whirled  away,  felt  a  sensation  as  new  to  him  as  that  of 
Cymon,  when  ignited  by  the  rays  of  beauty  which  flashed 
from  the  sleeping  Iphigenia. 


The  King's  Own  287 


Chapter  XL 

Idiots  only  will  be  cozened  twice. 

Dryden. 

Seymour  did  not  fail  to  profit  by  the  invitation  extended 
by  Mrs  Rainscourt,  and  soon  became  the  inseparable 
companion  of  Emily.  His  attentions  to  her  were  a  source 
of  amusement  to  the  M'Elvinas  and  her  mother,  who 
thought  little  of  a  flirtation  between  a  midshipman  of 
sixteen  and  a  girl  that  was  two  years  his  junior.  The 
two  months'  leave  of  absence  having  expired,  Seymour 
was  obliged  to  return  to  the  guard-ship,  on  the  books 
of  which  his  name  had  been  enrolled.  It  was  with  a 
heavy  heart  that  he  bade  farewell  to  the  M'Elvinas.  He 
had  kissed  away  the  tears  of  separation  from  the  cheeks 
of  Emily,  and  their  young  love,  unalloyed  as  that  between 
a  brother  and  sister,  created  an  uneasy  sensation  in  either 
heart  which  absence  could  not  remove. 

When  our  hero  reported  himself  to  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  guard-ship,  he  was  astonished  at  his  ex- 
pressing a  total  ignorance  of  his  belonging  to  her,  and 
sent  down  for  the  clerk,  to  know  if  his  name  was  on 
the  books. 

The  clerk,  a  spare,  middle-sized  personage,  remarkably 
spruce  and  neat  in  his  attire,  and  apparently  about  forty 
years  of  age,  made  his  appearance,  with  the  open  list 
under  his  arm,  and,  with  a  humble  bow  to  the  first 
lieutenant,  laid  it  upon  the  capstern-head,  and  running 
over  several  pages,  from  the  top  to  the  bottom,  with  his 
finger,  at  last  discovered  our  hero's  name. 

**It's  all  right,  young  gentleman,"  said  the  first 
lieutenant.  **Take  him  down  to  the  berth,  Mr  Skrimmage, 
and  introduce  him.  You've  brought  your  hammock,  of 
course,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  your  chest  has  a  good 
lock  upon  it ;  if  not,  I  can  tell  you  you'll  not  find  all  your 
clothes  tally  with  your  division  list  by  to-morrow  morning. 


288  The  King's  Own 

But  we  cannot  help  these  things  here.  We  are  but  a 
sort  of  a  *  thoroughfare,'  and  every  man  must  take  care  of 
himself." 

Seymour  thanked  the  first  lieutenant  for  his  caution, 
and  descended  with  the  clerk,  who  requested  him  to  step 
into  his  private  cabin,  previous  to  being  ushered  into  the 
gun-room,  where  the  midshipmen's  mess  was  held — and 
of  which  Mr  Skrimmage  filled  the  important  post  of 
caterer.  "  Mrs  Skrimmage,  my  dear,"  said  Seymour's 
conductor,  "  allow  me  to  introduce  to  you  Mr  Seymour." 
The  lady  curtsied  with  great  affectation,  and  an  air  of 
condescension,  and  requested  our  hero  to  take  a  chair — 
soon  after  which  Mr  Skrimmage  commenced — "  It  is  the 
custom,  my  dear  sir,  in  this  ship,  for  every  gentleman 
who  joins  the  midshipmen's  berth  to  put  down  one  guinea 
as  entrance  money,  after  which  the  subscription  is 
restricted  to  the  sum  of  five  shillings  per  week,  which 
is  always  paid  in  advance.  You  will  therefore  oblige  me 
by  the  trifling  sum  of  six-and-twenty  shillings,  previous 
to  my  introducing  you  to  your  new  messmates.  You 
will  excuse  my  requesting  the  money  to  be  paid  now, 
which,  I  assure  you,  does  not  arise  from  any  doubt  of  your 
honour ;  but  the  fact  is,  being  the  only  member  of  the 
mess  who  can  be  considered  as  stationary,  the  unpleasant 
duty  of  caterer  has  devolved  upon  me,  and  I  have  lost 
so  much  money  by  young  gentlemen  leaving  the  ship 
in  a  hurry,  and  forgetting  to  settle  their  accounts, 
that  it  has  now  become  a  rule,  which  is  never  broken 
through." 

As  soon  as  Mr  Skrimmage  had  finished  his  oration, 
which  he  delivered  in  the  softest  and  most  persuasive 
manner,  Seymour  laid  down  the  sum  required,  and  having 
waited,  at  the  clerk's  request,  to  see  his  name,  and  sum 
paid,  entered  in  the  mess-book  by  Mrs  Skrimmage,  he 
was  shown  into  the  gun-room,  which  he  found  crowded 
with  between  thirty  and  forty  midshipmen,  whose 
vociferations  and  laughter  created  such  a  din  as  to  drown 
the  voice  of  his  conductor,  who  cried  out,  *'  Mr  Seymour, 


The  King's  Own  289 

gentlemen,  to  join  the  mess,"  and  then  quitted  the 
noisy  abode,  which  gave  our  hero  the  idea  of  bedlam 
broke  loose. 

On  one  side  of  the  gun-room  a  party  of  fifteen  or 
twenty  were  seated  cross-legged  on  the  deck  in  a  circle, 
stripped  to  their  shirts,  with  their  handkerchiefs  laid  up 
like  ropes  in  their  hands.  A  great-coat  and  a  sleeve- 
board,  which  they  had  borrowed  from  the  marine  tailor, 
who  was  working  on  the  main-deck,  lay  in  the  centre, 
and  they  pretended  to  be  at  work  with  their  needles  on 
the  coat.  It  was  the  game  of  goose,  the  whole  amuse- 
ment of  which  consisted  in  giving  and  receiving  blows. 
Every  person  in  the  circle  had  a  name  to  which  he  was 
obliged  to  answer  immediately  when  it  was  called,  in 
default  of  which  he  was  severely  punished  by  all  the 
rest.  The  names  were  distinguished  by  colours,  as 
Black  Cap,  Red  Cap ;  and  the  elegant  conversation, 
commenced  by  the  master  tailor,  ran  as  follows ;  observ- 
ing that  it  was  carried  on  with  the  greatest  rapidity  of 
utterance. 

"  That's  a  false  stitch — whose  was  it  ?  " 

''  Black  Cap." 

*'No,  sir,  not  me,  sir. 

''  Who,  then,  sir  .? " 

"  Red  Cap." 

"  You  lie,  sir." 

'*  Who  then,  sir?" 

"Blue  Cap,  Blue  Cap." 

"You  lie,  sir." 

"Who  then,  sir?" 

"Yellow  Cap,  Yellow  Cap." 

Yellow  Cap  unfortunately  did  not  give  the  lie  in  time, 
for  which  he  was  severely  punished,  and  the  game  then 
continued. 

But  the  part  of  the  game  which  created  the  most  mirth 
was  providing  a  goose  for  the  tailors,  which  was  accom- 
plished by  some  of  their  confederates  throwing  into  the 
circle  any  bystander  who  was  not  on  his  guard,  and  who, 

K.      I.  T 


290  The  King's  Own 

immediately  that  he  was  thrown  in,  was  thrashed  and 
kicked  by  the  whole  circle  until  he  could  make  his  escape. 
An  attempt  of  this  kind  was  soon  made  upon  Seymour, 
who,  being  well  acquainted  with  the  game,  and  perceiving 
the  party  rushing  on  him  to  push  him  in,  dropped  on  his 
hands  and  knees,  so  that  the  other  was  caught  in  his 
own  trap,  by  tumbling  over  Seymour  into  the  circle 
himself,  from  which  he  at  last  escaped,  as  much  mortified 
by  the  laugh  raised  against  him  as  with  the  blows  which 
he  had  received. 

Seymour,  who  was  ready  to  join  in  any  fun,  applied 
for  work,  and  was  admitted  among  the  journeymen. 

"  What's  your  name  ? " 

"  Dandy  Grey  Russet  Cap,"  replied  Seymour,  selecting 
a  colour  which  would  give  him  ample  time  for  answering 
to  his  call. 

"  Oh  !  I'll  be  d d  but  you're  an  old  hand,"  observed 

one  of  the  party,  and  the  game  continued  with  as  much 
noise  as  ever. 

But  we  must  leave  it,  and  return  to  Mr  Skrimmage, 
who  was  a  singular,  if  not  solitary  instance  of  a  person 
in  one  of  the  lowest  grades  of  the  service  having  amassed 
a  large  fortune.  He  had  served  his  time  under  an  attorney, 
and  from  that  situation,  why  or  wherefore  the  deponent 
sayeth  not,  shipped  on  board  a  man-of-war  in  the  capacity 
of  a  ship's  clerk.  The  vessel  which  first  received  him  on 
board  was  an  old  fifty-gun  ship  of  two  decks,  a  few  of 
which  remained  in  the  service  at  that  time,  although  they 
have  long  been  dismissed  and  broken  up.  Being  a  dull 
sailer,  and  fit  for  nothing  else,  she  was  constantly  em- 
ployed in  protecting  large  convoys  of  merchant  vessels  to 
America  and  the  West  Indies.  Although  other  men-of- 
war  occasionally  assisted  her  in  her  employ,  the  captain 
of  the  fifty-gun  ship,  from  long-standing,  was  invariably 
the  senior  ofiicer,  and  the  masters  of  the  merchant  vessels 
were  obliged  to  go  on  board  his  ship  to  receive  their 
convoy  instructions,  and  a  distinguishing  pennant,  which 
is  always  given  without  any  fee. 


The  King's  Own  291 

But  Skrimmage,  who  had  never  been  accustomed  to 
deliver  up  any  paper  without  a  fee  when  he  was  in  his 
former  profession,  did  not  feel  inclined  to  do  so  in  his 
present.  Make  a  direct  charge  he  dare  not — he,  therefore, 
hit  upon  a  ruse  de  guerre  which  effected  his  purpose.  He 
borrowed  from  different  parties  seven  or  eight  guineas, 
and  when  the  masters  of  merchant  vessels  came  on  board 
for  their  instructions,  he  desired  them  to  be  shown  down 
into  his  cabin,  where  he  received  them  with  great  formality 
and  very  nicely  dressed.  The  guineas  were  spread  upon 
the  desk,  so  that  they  might  be  easily  reckoned. 

**Sit  down,  captain;  if  you  please,  favour  me  with 
your  name,  and  that  of  your  ship."  As  he  took  these 
down,  he  carelessly  observed,  "I  have  delivered  but 
seven  copies  of  the  instructions  to-day  as  yet." 

The  captain,  having  nothing  to  do  in  the  meantime, 
naturally  cast  his  eyes  round  the  cabin  and  was  attracted 
by  the  guineas,  the  number  of  which  exactly  tallied  with 
the  number  of  instructions  delivered.  It  naturally  occurred 
to  him  that  they  were  the  clerk's  perquisites  of  office. 

"  What  is  the  fee,  sir  ? " 

"Whatever  you  please — some  give  a  guinea,  some 
two." 

A  guinea  was  deposited  ;  and  thus  with  his  nest-eggs, 
Mr  Skrimmage,  without  making  a  direct  charge,  contrived 
to  pocket  a  hundred  guineas,  or  more,  for  every  convoy 
that  was  put  under  his  captain's  charge.  After  four  years, 
during  which  he  had  saved  a  considerable  sum,  the  ship 
was  declared  unserviceable,  and  broken  up,  and  Mr 
Skrimmage  was  sent  on  board  of  the  guard-ship,  where 
his  ready  wit  immediately  pointed  out  to  him  the  advant- 
ages which  might  be  reaped  by  permanently  belonging  to 
her,  as  clerk  of  the  ship,  and  caterer  of  the  midshipmen's 
berth.  After  serving  in  her  for  eight  years,  he  was  offered 
his  rank  as  purser,  which  he  refused,  upon  the  plea  of 
being  a  married  man,  and  preferring  poverty  with  Mrs 

S to  rank  and  money  without  her.     At  this  the  reader 

will  not  be  astonished  when  he  is  acquainted,  that  the 


292  The  King's  Own 

situation  which  he  held  was,  by  his  dexterous  plans, 
rendered  so  lucrative,  that  in  the  course  of  twelve  years, 
with  principal  and  accumulating  interest,  he  had  amassed 
the  sum  of  ^15,000. 

A  guard-ship  is  a  receiving-ship  for  officers  and  men, 
until  they  are  enabled  to  join,  or  are  drafted  to  their 
respective  ships.  The  consequence  is,  that  an  incessant 
change  is  taking  place, — a  midshipman  sometimes  not 
remaining  on  board  of  her  for  more  than  three  days  before 
an  opportunity  offers  of  joining  his  ship.  In  fact,  when 
we  state  that,  during  the  war,  upwards  of  one  thousand 
midshipmen  were  received  and  sent  away  from  a  guard- 
ship,  in  the  course  of  twelve  months,  we  are  considerably 
within  the  mark.  Now,  as  Mr  Skrimmage  always  received 
one  guinea  as  entrance  to  the  mess,  and  a  week's  subscrip- 
tion in  advance,  and,  moreover,  never  spent  even  the  latter, 
or  had  his  accounts  examined,  it  is  easy  to  conceive  what 
a  profitable  situation  he  had  created  for  himself.  Mrs 
Skrimmage,  also,  was  a  useful  helpmate:  she  lived  on 
board,  at  little  expense,  and,  by  her  attentions  to  the 
dear  little  middies  and  their  wearing  apparel,  who  were 
sent  on  board  to  join  some  ship  for  the  first  time,  added 
very  considerably  to  his  profits. 

Her  history  was  as  follows.  It  had  three  eras  : — she 
had  been  a  lady's  maid,  in  town ;  and,  in  this  situation, 
acquiring  a  few  of  the  practices  of  "high  life,"  she  had 
become  something  else  on  the  town  j  and,  finally,  Mrs 
Skrimmage.  With  the  view  of  awing  his  unruly  associates 
into  respect,  Mr  Skrimmage  (as  well  as  his  wife)  was 
particularly  nice  in  his  dress  and  his  conversation,  and 
affected  the  gentleman,  as  she  did  the  lady :  this  generally 
answered  pretty  well ;  but  sometimes  unpleasant  circum- 
stances would  occur,  to  which  his  interest  compelled  Mr 
Skrimmage  to  submit.  It  may  be  as  well  here  to  add, 
that,  at  the  end  of  the  war,  Mr  Skrimmage  applied  for 
his  promotion  for  long  service,  and,  obtaining  it,  added 
his  purser's  half-pay  to  the  interest  of  his  accumulated 
capital,  and  retired  from  active  service. 


The  King's  Own  293 

The  steward  and  his  boy  entering  the  gun-room  with 
two  enormous  black  tea-kettles,  put  an  end  to  the 
boisterous  amusement.     It  was  the  signal  for  tea. 

**  Hurra  for  Scaldchops  !  "  cried  the  master  tailor,  rising 
from  the  game,  which  was  now  abandoned.  A  regiment 
of  cups  and  saucers  lined  the  two  sides  of  the  long  table, 
and  a  general  scramble  ensued  for  seats. 

"  I  say,  Mr  Crihhage^''  cried  an  old  master's  mate,  to  the 
caterer,  who  had  entered  shortly  after  the  tea-kettles,  and 
assumed  his  place  at  the  end  of  the  table,  "  what  sort  of 
stuff  do  you  call  this  ? " 

"  What  do  you  mean  to  imply,  sir  ? "  replied  Mr 
Skrimmage,  with  a  pompous  air. 

"Mean   to   ply?  —  why   I   mean  to   ply,   that   there's 

d d  little  tea  in  this  here  water ;  why,  I've  seen  gin  as 

dark  a  colour  as  this." 

"  Steward,"  said  Mr  Skrimmage,  turning  his  head  over 
his  shoulder  towards  him,  "  have  you  not  put  the 
established  allowance  into  the  tea-pot  }  " 

"  Yes,  sir,"  replied  the  steward ;  "  a  tea-spoonful  for 
every  gentleman,  and  one  for  coming  up." 

"  You  hear,  gentlemen,"  said  Mr  Skrimmage. 

**  Hear  ? — yes,  but  we  don't  taste.  I  should  like  to  see 
it  sarved  out,"  continued  the  master's  mate. 

"  Sir,"  replied  Mr  Skrimmage,  "  I  must  take  the  liberty 
to  observe  to  you,  that  that  is  a  responsibility  never 
entrusted  to  the  steward.  The  established  allowance 
is  always  portioned  out  by  Mrs  Skrimmage  herself." 

"  D — n  Mrs  Skrimmage,"  said  a  voice  from  the  other 
end  of  the  table. 

"  "What ! "  cried  the  indignant  husband ;  "  what  did  I 
hear  ?  Who  was  that  ? " 

**  'Twas  this  young  gentleman,  Mr  Caterer,"  said 
a  malicious  lad,  pointing  to  one  opposite. 

"  Me,  sir ! "  replied  the  youngster,  recollecting  the 
game  they  had  just  been  playing  ;  "  you  lie,  sir  ?  " 

*'  Who  then,  sir  ?  " 

"  Black  Cap — Black  Cap,"  pointing  to  another. 


294  '^^^  King's  Own 

"  I  d — n  Mrs  Skrimmage !  You  lie,  sir." 

<*  Who  then,  sir?" 

**  Red  Cap— Red  Cap." 

"  I  d — n  Mrs  Skrimmage  !  You  lie,  sir." 

And  thus  was  the  accusation  bandied  about  the  table, 
to  the  great  amusement  of  the  whole  party,  except  the 
caterer,  who  regretted  having  taken  any  notice  of  what 
had  been  said. 

"  Really,  gentlemen,  this  behaviour  is  such  as  cannot 
be  tolerated,"  observed  Mr  Skrimmage,  who  invariably 
preferred  the  suaviter  in  modo,  "  As  caterer  of  this 
berth " 

"It  is  your  duty  to  give  us  something  to  eat,"  added 
one  of  the  midshipmen. 

**  Gentlemen,  you  see  what  there  is  on  the  table  ;  there 
are  rules  and  regulations  laid  down,  which  cannot  be 
deviated  from,  and " 

**  And  those  are,  to  starve  us.  I've  paid  six-and-twenty 
shillings,  and  have  not  had  six-and-twenty  mouthfuls 
in  the  three  days  that  I  have  been  here.  I  should  like  to 
see  your  accounts,  Mr  Caterer." 

"  Bravo !  let's  have  his  accounts,"  roared  out  several 
of  the  party. 

"  Gentlemen,  my  accounts  are  ready  for  inspection, 
and  will  bear,  I  will  venture  to  assert,  the  most  minute 
investigation ;  but  it  must  be  from  those  who  have  a 
right  to  demand  it,  and  I  cannot  consider  that  a  person 
who  has  only  been  in  the  ship  for  three  days  has  any 
pretence  to  examine  them." 

"  But  I  have  been  in  the  ship  three  weeks,"  said 
another,  "  and  have  paid  you  one  pound  sixteen  shillings. 
I  have  a  right,  and  now  I  demand  them — so  let  us  have 
the  accounts  on  the  table,  since  we  can  get  nothing  else." 

"  The  accounts — the  accounts,"  were  now  vociferated 
for  by  such  a  threatening  multitude  of  angry  voices, 
that  Mr  Skrimmage  turned  pale  with  alarm,  and  thought 
it  advisable  to  bend  to  the  threatening  storm. 

"  Steward,   present   the  gentlemen's   respects   to   Mrs 


The  King's  Own  295 

Skrimmage,  and  request  that  she  will  oblige  them  by 
sending  in  the  mess  account-book.  You  understand — the 
gentlemen's  respects  to  Mrs  Skrimmage." 

"D — n  Mrs  Skrimmage,"  again  cried  out  one  of  the 
midshipmen,  and  the  game  of  goose  was  renewed  with 
the  phrase,  until  the  steward  returned  with  the  book. 

**  Mrs  Skrimmage's  compliments  to  the  gentlemen 
of  the  gun-room  mess,  and  she  has  great  pleasure  in 
complying  with  their  request;  but,  in  consequence  of 
her  late  indisposition,  the  accounts  are  not  made  up  further 
than  to  the  end  of  last  month." 

This  was  the  plan  upon  which  the  wily  clerk  invariably 
acted,  as  it  put  an  end  to  all  inquiry  -,  but  the  indignation 
of  the  midshipmen  was  not  to  be  controlled,  and  as  they 
could  not  give  it  vent  in  one  way,  they  did  in  another. 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  one  of  the  oldest  of  the  fraternity, 
imitating  Mr  Skrimmage's   style,   "  I   must   request  that 

you    will    be    pleased   not   to   kick   up    such    a   d d 

row,  because  I  wish  to  make  a  speech :  and  I  request  that 
two  of  you  will  be  pleased  to  stand  sentries  at  the  door, 
permitting  neither  ingress  nor  egress,  that  I  may  '  spin  my 
yarn '  without  interruption. 

**  Gentlemen,  we  have  paid  our  mess  money,  and  we 
have  nothing  to  eat.  We  have  asked  for  the  accounts, 
and  we  are  put  off  with  '  indisposition.'  Now,  gentlemen, 
as  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  the  caterer's  honour,  I  propose 
that  we  give  him  a  receipt  in  full." 

"  And  here's  a  pen  to  write  it  with,"  cried  out  another, 
holding  up  the  sleeve-board,  with  which  they  had  been 
playing  the  game. 

"  Then,  gentlemen,  are  you  all  agreed — to  cobb  the 
caterer  ? " 

The  shouts  of  assent  frightened  Mr  Skrimmage,  who 
attempted  to  make  his  escape  by  the  gun-room  door,  but 
was  prevented  by  the  two  sentries,  who  had  been  placed 
there  on  purpose.  He  then  requested  to  be  heard— to 
be  allowed  to  explain ;  but  it  was  useless.  He  was 
dragged  to  the  table,  amidst  an  uproar  of  laughter  and 


296  The  King's  Own 

shouting.  '*  Extreme  bad  headaches  " — "  Mrs  Skrimmage" 
—  "  nervous  "  —  "  ample  satisfaction  "  —  "  conduct  like 
gentlemen" — "complain  to  first  lieutenant" — were  the 
unconnected  parts  of  his  expostulation,  which  could  be 
distinguished.  He  was  extended  across  the  table,  face 
downwards ;  the  lappels  of  his  coat  thrown  up,  and  two 
dozen  blows,  with  the  sleeve-board,  were  administered 
with  such  force,  that  his  shrieks  were  even  louder  than 
the  laughter  and  vociferation  of  his  assailants. 

During  the  infliction,  the  noise  within  was  so  great, 
that  they  did  not  pay  attention  to  that  which  was  outside, 
but  as  soon  as  Mr  Skrimmage  had  been  put  on  his  legs 
again,  and  the  tumult  had  partially  subsided,  the  voice 
of  the  master-at-arms  requesting  admittance,  and  the 
screaming  of  Mrs  Skrimmage,  were  heard  at  the  door, 
which  continued  locked  and  guarded.  The  door  was 
opened,  and  in  flew  the  lady. 

"  My  Skrimmage  !  my  Skrimmage  ! — what  have  the 
brutes  been  doing  to  you  ?  Oh,  the  wretches  !  "  continued 
the  lady,  panting  for  breath,  and,  turning  to  the  midship- 
men, who  had  retreated  from  her ; — "  you  shall  all  be 
turned  out  of  the  service — you  shall — that  you  shall. 
We'll  see — we'll  write  for  a  court-martial — ay,  you  may 
laugh,  but  we  will.  Contempt  to  a  superior  officer — 
clerk  and  caterer,  indeed !  The  service  has  come  to  a 
pretty  pass — you  villains !  You  may  grin — I'll  tear  the 
eyes  out  of  some  of  you,  that  I  will.  Come,  Mr  Skrimmage, 
let  us  go  on  the  quarter-deck,  and  see  if  the  service  is  to 
be  trifled  with.  Dirty  scum,  indeed — "  and  the  lady 
stopped  for  want  of  breath  occasioned  by  the  rapidity  of 
her  utterance. 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  the  master-at-arms,  as  soon  as  he 
could  obtain  hearing, — "  the  first  lieutenant  wishes  to 
know  the  reason  why  you  are  making  such  a  noise  ?  " 

"Our  compliments  to  Mr  Phillips,  and  we  have  been 
settling  the  mess  account,  and  taking  the  change  out  of 
the  caterer." 

**  Yes,"  continued  Mrs  Skrimmage,  "  you  villains,  you 


The  King's  Own  297 

have,  you  paltry  cheats — you  blackguards — you  warmin — 
you  scum  of  the  earth — you  grinning  monkeys — you  ! — 
don't  put  your  tongue  into  your  cheek  at  me,  you — you 
beast — you  ill-looking  imp,  or  I'll  write  the  ten  command- 
ments on  your  face — I  will — ay,  that  I  will — cowardly 
set  of  beggars — "  (No  more  breath). 

"I'll  tell  you  what,  marm,"  rejoined  the  old  master's 
mate,  "  if  you  don't  clap  a  stopper  on  that  jaw  of  yours^ 
by  George,  we'll  cobb  you." 

"  Cobb  me  ! — you  will,  will  you  ? — I  should  like  to  see 
you.     I  dare  you  to  cobb  me,  you  wretches  !  " 

'*  Cobb  her,  cobb  her  !  "  roared  out  all  the  midshipmen, 
who  were  irritated  at  her  language ;  and  in  a  moment 
she  was  seized  by  a  dozen  of  them,  who  dragged  her 
to  the  table.  Mrs  Skrimmage  struggled  in  vain,  and 
there  appeared  every  chance  of  the  threat  being  put  in 
force. 

"  Oh, — is  this  the  way  to  treat  a  lady  ? — Skrimmage  ! 
help,  help ! " 

Skrimmage,  who  had  been  battered  almost  to  stupe- 
faction, roused  by  the  call  of  his  frightened  wife,  darted 
to  her,  and  throwing  his  arm  round  her  waist, — "Spare 
her,  gentlemen,  spare  her,  for  mercy's  sake,  spare  her, — 
or,"  continued  he,  in  a  faltering  voice,  "if  you  will  cobb 
her,  let  it  be  over  allP 

The  appeal  in  favour  of  modesty  and  humanity  had  its 
due  weight ;  and  Mr  and  Mrs  Skrimmage  were  permitted 
to  leave  the  gun-room  without  further  molestation.  The 
lady,  however,  as  soon  as  she  had  obtained  the  outside 
of  the  gun-room  door,  forgetting  her  assumed  gentility, 
turned  back,  and  shaking  her  fist  at  her  persecutors, 
made  use  of  language,  with  a  repetition  of  which  we  will 
not  offend  our  readers, — and  then,  arm-in-arm  with  her 
husband,  quitted  the  gun-room. 

"  Mrs  Skrimmage's  compliments  to   the  gentlemen  of 
the    gun-room    mess,"   cried    one    of    the    midshipmen, 
mimicking,  which  was  followed  by  a  roar  of  laughter, 
when  the  quarter-master  again  made  his  appearance. 
K.     I.  u 


298  The  King's  Own 

"  Gentlemen,  the  first  lieutenant  says,  that  all  those 
who  are  waiting  for  a  passage  round  to  Plymouth  are  to 
be  on  deck  with  their  traps  immediately.  There's  a 
frigate  ordered  round — she  has  the  blue-peter  up,  and 
her  top-sails  are  sheeted  home." 

This  put  an  end  to  further  mischief,  as  there  were  at 
least  twenty  of  them  whose  respective  ships  were  on  that 
station.  In  the  meantime,  while  they  were  getting  ready, 
Mr  Skrimmage,  having  restored  the  precision  of  his 
apparel,  proceeded  to  the  quarter-deck  and  made  his 
complaint  to  the  first  lieutenant :  but  these  complaints 
had  been  repeatedly  made  before,  and  Mr  Phillips  was 
tired  of  hearing  them,  and  was  aware  that  he  deserved 
his  fate.  Mr  Skrimmage  was  therefore  silenced  with 
the  usual  remark — "  How  can  I  punish  these  young  men, 
if  they  are  in  the  wrong,  who  slip  through  my  fingers 
immediately  ? — the  parties  you  complain  of  are  now  going 
down  the  side.     Why  don't  you  give  up  the  caterer  ship  f  " 

But  this,  for  the  reasons  before  stated,  did  not  suit  Mr 
Skrimmage,  who  returned  below.  For  a  day  or  two  the 
mess  was  better  supplied,  from  fear  of  a  repetition  of  the 
dose ;  after  that,  it  went  on  again  as  before. 


END  OF   VOL.    I. 


TURNBULL  AND  SPEARS,  PRINTERS,  EDINBURGH. 


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